Wanganui 4 May 1845 My dear Sir, Mr. Simonds has postponed his departure till 6 in the morning which gives me time to add a few more lines. The official letter I send is an acceptance of the Inspectorship of Police for New Plymouth on fully considering the difference between the former duties and the present I rather think that the influence I have obtained over the Natives of my district will be considerably increased by having some men under me that in many instances will afford them real protection. I trust however that I may add some active young native chiefs to the number as under my eye and directions I have every confidence in their being most useful, and if I were to choose them from distant parts of the district there being with me would be a check on their friends from doing any mischief. I regret that Mr. Simonds finds it necessary to give up this long pending question that till within the last day or two appeared to be progressing satisfactorily, the chances are a further arrangement with these tribes need not be attempted as they are so annoyed at the money being taken away. The settlers will have I fear more difficulties with them (if not removed shortly) than ever they had and the present is an anxious and critical moment for them. I heard from New Plymouth today they are quiet there at present, but there are always fears of the Waikatos coming to give annoyance. I send you for your own perusal or to be used as you think fit, Mr. Clarke's office being now done away with an account of the Tapu on the Mokau Road I have also given Mr. Simonds 2 long reports of journeys in the Interior that he will have copied for the Governor. A fatal accident befel the fine old chief Theuheu, a land slip having buried him and 45 of his tribe in the Taupo his loss will be felt throughout the Island and immense numbers are collecting at Taupo to decide on future movements, from Waikato and other places. My time would be well employed to visit that neighbourhood at present had I permission to do so, but no doubt I will have as much as I can attend to when I get back home. It will give me the greatest pleasure to be allowed towards the later end of Summer to visit the North if it were only for a few days, but this will of course depend on the state of the colony and His Excellencys sanction and your own. There are some Govt. a/c for natives etc. that ought to have been forwarded to you last quarter, but our isolated position at New Plymouth has prevented any intercourse and this would have been the first opportunity were I at home to have them signed. As I am not supplied with Stationary from Auckland I suppose I can make a charge for that, and in future send requisitions direct to you for what may be wanted? The little time I had for embarking by the Brig with Mr. Simonds and also his advice induced me to postpone raising the Police force till my return as they would expensive and inefective without a person to superintend them, besides you cannot select the best men on such short notice as I am desirous of they shall be able, stout, sober, efficient and determined men for bush work or any purpose. Mr. Simonds and myself agree well together and I feel very much his having occasion to break off negotiations with the natives, the reasons will be best explained by him. I remain, My dear sir, very truly yours, D. McLean Andrew Sinclair Esq., Colonial Secretary