Tarai Septr. 13th, 1847. My dear Sir, The Auckland Mail arriving and returning again immediately saves me the necessity of despatching a policeman to Auckland whom I intended to have sent, that His Excellency might hear what was going on in this district. I am very glad to hear that a Native regiment is at length being raised in the Island I only wish I could have the training and enlisting of some active young men for the service in this district as they would in the mean time do police duty and preclude the necessity of any other force, it is already I believe well proved that the New Zealanders will make excellent soldiers but they will also make useful and valuable citizens if only they are sent on foreign service and their national prejudices removed, the few I have in the police are most active and efficient but I feel myself very much tied and obliged to pass over some native irregularities for want of a larger force to control and overawe them. Dr.Wilson a very respectable settler from Wanganui of whom you have likely heard something has been on a visit here and is quite delighted with the place so much so that he will become a permanent resident and is anxious to choose his land in the block that has been lately purchased, a few such respectable and intelligent persons will be a great acquisition to the limited and barren society of our little place. I find the Governors plan to have the police employed on the survey acts admirably as they invariably clear the way when there are any disputes which frequently arise from frivolous arguments about boundaries. I scarcely ever receive a Gazette so that I am in the dark as to how your busy Council Meetings are getting on if is of the greatest interest at the outposts to hear what is going on at head quarters. The mail leaves shortly so I must conclude but must not forget to add that I have heard from Mr.D.Bell the present Coy.Agent that you once appointed to meet him here to ascend the grand and majestic Mount Egmont, which appointment you will I trust fulfil this summer and give us the pleasure and happiness of seeing you at Taranaki. I remain, My dear Sir, Very faithfully yours, Don. McLean.