Government House New Zealand Wellington June, 24, 1872 My dear McLean, You will do a great public service if you make Titokowaru and Co. understand that they will not be molested by the Govt. if they keep quiet; and also convince the settlers that this is the only safe policy for The very men who cry out for violent measures wd. be the first to show alarm if we have another outbreak. And this Colony really cannot afford another war, especially looking to the public works and immigration policy on wh. it has entered, and wh. wd. be at once destroyed by any serious disturbance. As I have remarked before, I think people in New Zealand hardly realize to themselves that murders worse than those of Todd occur in Ireland almost and for the same motive - i. e. disputes about land; - also that far more settlers are killed by the few natives in Queensland yearly than have been killed altogether by the Maoris in New Zealand. When I was in Queensland, it was estimated that 600 whites had been killed by the blacks. We got to Marlborough this evening. I find that we cannot see that Province properly under 8 days, including the Sounds, Havelock etc. so I shall want the "Luna" for at least that time. Lady Bowen goes with me, and the change will do her good. The "Luna" cannot be wanted by you, as you will be engaged between Taranaki and Wanganui; and you will naturally prefer to go by coach overland, and see what is going on with your own eyes. Besides no ship can remain long at Taranaki. I have asked Capt. Simpson to visit the Bay of Islands, Mongonui, and Taranaki, as you propose. Do you think you will be able to accompany me overland from Napier to Tauranga on the Waikato by Lake Taupo, in next March? If not, I supposed Locke wd. be a good man to go with me. Can horses he got easily for the journey at Napier? Can horses he got easily for the journey at Napier. Are there any Govt. horses that we can use? I think I have already told you that there was nothing of importance by last month's mail. Lard Kimberley says that the Govt. at home fully recognise the improved position of this colony. Lady Bowen desires her kind regards, and I remain dear McLean, Yours very truly, G. F. Bowen The Honble D. McLean, C.M.G. P. S. I am anxious to make the overland trip this year, because it will have a good effect on immigration as shewing the tranquillity of the country.