Private Tauranga July 26th 1869 My dear Mr McLean I was glad to get your short note by Col. Harington and congratulate myself that we are working together once more - I do not think the Government can lay the sin to my door of not keeping it fully informed of all that passes in these districts. I am only afraid lest I should make myself a bore by continually obtruding my opinion whether desired or not. Some how I have assumed the privilege accorded to most old public servants that of stating in some shape or other what I believe to be right. And after all you will allow from your own experience that officers in native Districts have to deal more with facts than with policies as enumerated in the General Assembly, and are expected to shape our ends accordingly - I trust your Government will find, as all previous Governments have found me, thoroughly loyal and prepared to carry out to thebest of my ability all your desires