"Empire Hotel" Wellington April 16 /72 My dear Sir, In obedience to request of Superintendent backed by permission of Mr.Gisborne I came down from "Wanganui" per steamer to confer with Superintendent re his Plans for acquisition of Provincial territory, reaching here at 2 a.m. on Saturday morning - On Monday I had interview with his Honor and the Prov.Sec. The result of which you may gather from their giving me written Authority to lease all or any portion of Lands owned by natives comprised within the confiscated area contained in the Province of Wellington - at the rate of 1/- per acre for 21 years - Tomorrow I submit their plans to the Hon: W.Fox for approval and also intend at the same time to furnish Mr.Fox with an exposition of the case as I see it myself - the principal reason I had for contesting the question with the Provincial Govt. was the (to me) arrogant assumption of rights which they did not possess, and I determined to reduce them to the condition of asking as a from the General Govt. that which they demanded as a right. I do not understand the political question, but I do know what popular feeling is, and that it is not in my district in favor of Provincialism. I am not pleased with the tone that the Proclamation under Public Works Act has elicited from Natives or Europeans it is a moot point. My great fear is the probable creation of an element of competition - as sooner or later the Natives will awake to a knowledge of their political and social rights - I shall return D.V. on Friday or Saturday next to Wanganui accompanied I trust by my family whom I expect tomorrow per "Keera" from Napier. I would not have left the District had I not felt that since the settlement with Kemp and the arrangement I made with Hone Pihama that nothing would occur to disturb matters till my return and also as I conceived the desirability of settling with the Govt. the way in which Provincial Action was to be met was of paramount importance. I find Lord left the Post as I predicted he would within 3 mos. McGill will lend you a Wanganui Herald shewing the change in feeling within that District - I am sorry that you felt it necessary to take Wilsons and Forkes commission as it has made martyrs of men who if left overlooked were simply contemptible - and Wilson is really a good settler. I feel that you may rest assured that so far as my District goes matters are progressing satisfactorily - As the line is now open to Auckland I shall inform you direct of what occurs - There being nothing else of interest I beg to remain Your most obed. servt. George B.Worgan The Hon. D. McLean Auckland