Letter from P. Wilson to Donald McLean Esq. dated 27th. September 1858 New Plymouth 27th. September 1858 My dear Mac, You Will be surprised to learn that our friend, Dr. Rees, of Wanganui, died last week. Very suddenly, it seems, from disease of the heart; but that is all I hare heard regarding it. I have had some letters from sundry gentlemen there, intimating their desire that a very able gentleman we have here, a Dr. Leahy, should apply for the appointment; and as I think it more than probable he will, I now address you for the purpose of securing your influence towards the appointment. Leahy is a very superiorly educated professional man, and would do credit to the office of Colonial Surgeon, should the Government be pleased to appoint him thereto. So let me have your best wishes anent his obtaining it. Death's shafts have been flying rather thick down in the Southern direction recently. Thus we have, by yesterday's mail, in addition to that of Dr. Rees, the intelligence of the death of the good old Mr. Woon, who, though I so call him, was a younger man by several years, than I am; and McDonald, the manager of the Union Bank, at Wellington, has also gone ''to that bourne from whence no traveller returns.'' We are going on here as usual, and the old lady is greatly occupied rearing hats of chickens, and salting, or down eggs, under the fear that you may soon be making, like another Manai, your appearance among us. Wars and rumours of wars have become absolute hitherward, so you need not come under pretence of making peace. But if you can contrive any other pretext, all I can say is, we shall be very glad to see you. My wife says she has to add a line, so I remain my dear Mac, most faithfully yours (Signed) P. Wilson. P.S. Pat is here from Wanganui, and has come on the Flax question, which is fermently finely all down this way, and will be a great boon to New Zealand generally, if our spinning rascals at home will throw Russia overboard for our sakes. He desires his kind regards. To:- Donald McLean Esq.