New Plymouth 1st. September 1856. My dear McLean, The Overland Mail will leave this morning, and as there will not be another opportunity for doing so, I am desirous of writing to you confidentially on the Superintendent's scheme of combining the offices of Resident Magistrate and Commissioner of Crown Lands. I say confidentially, for if my name at any time transpires as writing against the scheme, (to our Superintendent I mean) my retirement must immediately follow. If making use of this letter privately, to the Governor, or reading portions of it, will avail, you are at liberty to do so. And you will comprehend my objections to my name being used to any one else on the subject. For some reason or other, the Superintendent has taken objection to my brother continuing in the Service here, --- as he has to Mr. Flight; and as he will to me in my turn, after seeing the result of the next election. The only cause of offence my