''Napier'' May 30 - 70 Dear Sir, I have for some time past had the intention of writing to you, but fancying that an opportunity might occur for seeing you in Napier has deterred me from doing so - Since you were last here a good many changes have taken place - A large portion of the Native Business of the Province has so far as private matters go passed into my hands - not without my experiencing some difficulties and some unpleasantness in connection therewith however, and doubtless in a great measure owing to there being no one else available. No inconsiderable portion of the Native Lands have passed and are yet passing into the hands of the Europeans and it is chiefly on this subject that I am desirous of making a few remarks. His Lordship the Bishop of Waiapu with whom I had some conversation on the matter thinks with me I beleive that nothing that we can do will induce the Natives to alter their reckless and extravagant mode of life - that to follow it they will voluntarily strip themselves of the major portion of their land leaving us nothing else to do but to secure such reserves as may suffice for their maintenance in any case and to tie up these reserves in such a manner that for advances can be given on them. In some of the recent purchases the ''Manga roa Block'' for instance a Reserve has been stipulated for and granted by the Purchaser and in no case have I met with any disposition to refuse any reasonable demand of this nature when made to Purchasers on the behalf of the Natives - I hope apart from any question of self interest that this may be borne in mind when as is probable the topic is discussed in the House. There are not wanting persons here who pretend to consider the Lands Acts as ruinous in their working to the natives and set themselves in the light of would be native protectors not that this pseudo sentiment has prevented them for taking advantage of their opportunities when such have offered to their advantage I am by no means friendly as you are aware to the Lands Acts, but matters have been carried too far to attempt hasty alteration; and more injury would be done by interference, than by allowing matters to work out their final issue in their present direction - I wish also to call your attention to a matter wherein you are directly interested the ''Mangateretere'' Blocks -Mr Sutton has bought several shares from time to time and I have always understood that this was in your interest until lately in conversation with Mr Williams some doubts have crossed my mind as to whether this is ''bona fide'' or not - I should be much pleased when this is cleared up as nothing would annoy me so much as to find that I had involuntarily been a party to any Transactions to your disadvantage. I think that no time should be lost in attending to this - I shall be happy if you desire it to give you every information in my power upon any or all of these topics and at any time - Should the Road matter progress or the surveys of Coast or inland be proceeded with after the next Session - I trust that you will let me have some share in the work - Judging from the improvement in the state of the Colony there appears little reason to apprehend any danger from the meeting of Parliament. I beg to remain Dear Sir Your obedt. and faithful servt. Geo. B. Worgan The Honble. D. McLean Esq.