Letter from W. J. Buller to D. McLean Esq. dated 23rd. October 1858 . Wellington 23rd. October 1858. My dear Sir, I have, this day, addressed you officially in reply to your communication of 21st. ultimo. I beg now to thank you personally for your kind attention in bringing my paper under the notice of the Government. The sum granted -- though certainly falling far short of my anticipations -- will, I trust, be instrumental in keeping and in existence. Assuming that the natives' subscriptions will be forthcoming at the close of the year, we shall be enabled to meet all our expenses. We shall increase the size of the paper with the commencement of a new year, but not to the extent we had intended. The number of subscribers is slowly advancing; and there is withdrawal of names (an encouraging sign). In short, our prospects are fair, and I am very confident that my labours are not thrown away. Perhaps at some future time, the Government may be pleased to augment the aid from that quarter. It shall be my effort, as long as I may conduct the '''' to prove that the assistance has not been misapplied. Independently of the ''conscience-approving'' pleasure I have derived from the undertaking, I have found it most important aid in correcting and forming my in Maori. ''.'' . I presume the grant of £40 dates from commencement of current year, and must be obtained from Sub-Treasurer here. Matters generally are quiet here. ''Wellington Politics'' in . Much disappointment amongst the Feather-stone party at the refusal of a dissolution of Council. Dr. F. is absent at Melbourne endeavouring to accelerate the pending arrangements for steam communication. Natives in this District have been much excited of late on the Maori King question. They have held several large , breathed many long speeches, but have accomplished . Wi Tako, who seems to have an eye to the Kingship, is the great agitator. Good old Te Honiana Puni treats the affair as very puerile. Your timely present to old Taringa Kuri has produced effect. We had occasion to summon him to the Court the other day. He conducted himself with great decorum and submission. I am glad to observe a growing inclination amongst the natives of this District to part with their unoccupied lands. The Wairarapa tribes are excessively impatient when the Commissioner is at Manawatu, and . It will be a matter of time, but the cession of all the desirable Blocks may safely be calculated on. I fear the 5 per cent question will be productive of trouble. Much discretion and prudence is necessary to avoid jealousy or misunderstanding. I beg to remain my dear Sir, yours faithfully (Signed) W.J. Buller. To:- Donald McLean Esq.