Masterton, 18th. June 1870. My dear McLean, I presume that you do not allow the present busy scene of politics entirely to exclude matters of private interest. I have prevailed upon the settlers in the East Coast to join in getting together a fund to be expended in employing one or more men in hunting down and destroying the wild dogs which appear to be unusually troublesome just now in that part. A number of us have agreed to subscribe £3 each to start with, and we look for good funds as the result of this united action at an early date, and we all feel that such action is more than ever expedient at a time when scab is doing all it can to spread. The above objects are to be carried out by a local committee. If you approve, and will pay £3 to my account at the Bank of N.S. Wales, I will send it to the Committee, who will include your Run at Akitea as one that is to come under this plan of protection. In haste and with our kind regards, Yours very truly, J. Valentine Smith. Hon. D. McLean, Wellington.