Henui 24th March 1858 My dear McLean, I herewith send you a copy of a letter I have written to Mr. Richmond. You will from that gather my opinions of the present crisis in Maori affairs; one which if rightly improved as it appears to me will open up a happy future for the inhabitants of this country not as Europeans and Maoris, but as subjects alike of one sovereign, submitting to and receiving the protection of one code of laws. The difficulties that may present themselves in the endeavour to accomplish this much wished for end have only to be boldly met to be overcome; and if our government will take the initiative every real friend to this country be he Englishman or be he Maori must feel it his duty to come forward to assist in its accomplishment. To this part of New Zealand all eyes seem now directed and the conduct of the Government here will influence for weal or for woe the