S.S. "Bangalore" 6th. July 1873. My dear McLean, During the voyage from Melbourne my thoughts have often been turned to New Zealand and your native Lands Bill has occupied my attention. In that Bill I hope you contemplate doing away with Fenton and the Land Courts subbtituting in sead the appointment of 3 or 4 District Commissioners (such men as Rogan) and let them be responsible direct to you, you having a in your office to receive all communications from the District Commissioners and generally to have charge of all native land questions. Excuse me when I say that if you appoint Fenton to stand between you and the Commissioners it will be a great and serious mistake - pray do not invest him with such power. He may neutralise the best Act that can be formed - if it does not originate in his brain! Fenton has done in native affairs from the King movement and onwards than any other man in New Zealand! If he has any claim upon the Government for a fresh appointment - do not let him have anything to do with native affairs. Better pension him off than continue him as he is at present. You will naturally ask why should I say this - simply because I think he made an awfull mess of the when it might have been turned to good account when first mooted. It is not that I have any private or personal feeling against F. for I never had anything to do with him, but I have reason to believe he is no friend of yours in fact the very reverse and somewhat bitter too -- take a note of this and give him no chance to trip you up. After reading please pop this in the fire it should not fall into other hands. Sir Jas. Ferguson came down in this ship from Galle last trip. I have had a Report of him. He is not without ability but is awfully fond of standing on his dignity as H. Majesty's Representative!. He is self willed and opinionated -- Lady F. is much younger than him -- is very beautifull and got a good deal of on her marriage day! altho handsome there is little in her! She jilted a young fellow at Adelaide name Stirling when Ferguson came in the way it was I believe a positive engagement! so much for scandal! Yours faithfully Wm. S. Grahame. Hob. D. McLean.