Rotorua April 24, 1876 My dear Sir Donald, I have long contemplated writing to you on a subject in which I know you take a very deep interest, namely the collection and preservation of the many curious and ingenious weapons and carvings of the Maories, ancient and present, their weapons of warfare, the chase, domestic utensils and articles of ornament etc. Upon visiting any of our colonial museums, one cannot help remarking the meagre collection of these curiosities; and if you would not mind my making the suggestion, I would propose that a sum of money be placed upon the next estimates for the purpose of procuring a complete national collection of these very interesting articles, which are so quickly being bought up by foreign museums, and by Tourists, that in a few years, it will be impossible to obtain any. Even the art of making them will be lost. The Arawa, and Urewera districts are the best to collect in, and I would very willingly do all in my power to carry out your wishes in making a really good collection. A great many articles (some of them of very great age) could be purchased. There are some good Carvers here who could be employed to make all those articles at present unobtainable - How much the Carved House in Wellington could be improved by furnishing it with such a collection. My dear Sir Faithfully yours Gilbert Mair The Honble. Sir Donald McLean etc. etc.