Wanganui, 10 Jany., 1857. My dear McLean, I have duly recd. yours relative to Mr. Paters new appointment --- I have just finished my report of the late outrages committed by the Natives at Patea on Messrs. White and Imlay of New Plymouth I dare say the Natives have some grounds of complaint but unfortunately they have taken the law into their own hands --- What do you think of Featherstones speech, I am afraid he is too sanguine of the future prospects of Wellington Tell Bell that the-new Chief Land Commissioner very soon stripped me of the £50 per annum which the present Govt. allowed me for acting as sub Land Commissioner Nixen is appointed Provl.Sub Treasurer with a salary of £100 a year, I have done the work the last 2 years for nothing, it is my opinion the present Govt. would have me out of my present Billet tomorrow if they could, because I happen to be an officer of the Genl.Govt. Drop me a line and Believe me, Yours faithfully, D. S. Durie.