Wellington May 24th 1870 My dear McLean I arrived two or 3 days ago from Otago and Southland, whither I was sent to take evidence for the Religious, Educational and Charitable Trusts Commissn. and to settle some questions about Native Reserves. I got your last letter at Dunedin and have attended to what you wanted done. I must plead guilty to your charge of not being so good a correspondent as of yore, but (1) I never have any news to communicate from this part of the world. All the stirring events go on up there - and (2) it is very hard to find time for private letters. I have been grinding like a horse since my return, preparing draft estimates and looking up papers for printing, but this is a really difficult job, as the system of corresponding by telegraph upsets the old fashioned reports, and it is by no means easy to get hold of the telegrams wh. are frequently worn out in Ministers' pockets - besides the dual system of offices increases the difficulty, and makes the Under Sec. very uncertain whether his facts and figures are right or no. There has been an awful row about some official secrets having leaked out, and a change is to be made in Def.Office which will be awkward just as the session is coming on and will render it absolutely necessary for Mr. Lewis to come here, even although he shd. be sent back to Auckld. again, as when Stevens is removed (as he is to be) there will be no one possessing a knowledge of the traditions of the office, or able to find his way through back records. Of course you knew before I did, all about my being appointed under Sec. vice Gisborne, and I must thank you most sincerely for your share in it, as I feel that I could not have got it unless you had given me up. It is just what I have been hoping for all along (though I didn't bother anybody) because though the same pay it is rise in position wh. is what I most care for, and if I had missed this chance I shd. most likely have had to wait many years for another. The only regret I have is that it will sever our official connection, as Gisborne tells me I am to give up Nat.Dept. and though I am to keep defence, it is intended to attach it to Col.Sec. like the Judicial. Still if not directly officially connected, we shall still be a good deal thrown in one another's way. Who will you have in Native? I suppose you will bring him with you when you come down. Clarke, if he could be spared, wd. I think fill the office very well, and I should be glad to see him here. I am afraid poor old Halse will break his heart - he knows nothing of it yet. Harington tells me you are getting him down for Session. I am delighted at this as he will be a very great assistance to me, but I hardly know where we can put him. However we shall manage that somehow. You know they are building new rooms for Defce.Office over Bellamy's. You are to be over the smoking room, and will have a splendid apartment. I am writing a short letter because I don't expect it will reach you before I see you, as I am told you are coming via Napier this week, and this goes by West Coast; but as your movements are still as erratic as they always were, I write on the chance that it may find you at Auckland. I remain as ever, Most faithfully yours G. S. Cooper