Stapleton Coromandel Harbr. Feb.21st 1861 My dear Sir My son Walter when in Auckland if time had permitted would have been glad to have had some conversation with you on the following subject. Our Farm has not answered our expectations and we have had sad losses and disappointments Walter and myself wished Mr.Preece to make application for the office as one of the members of the Proposed Native Council men as it would greatly help us under our present difficulties, I proposed to him to speak to you on the subject But he thinks it is a situation not to be applied for by the individual but is appointed only by the Govnr. Mr.P. has a little nervious feeling about making application on what he thinks a doubtfull case, neither Walter or myself having had an opportunity of seeing you we have thought it best to lose no time the subject but to write to you. Knowing that you wd. do anything in your power to relieve us out of our present difficulties. We therefore beg the favour of your using your interest with the Govnr. to try to get him appointed as one of the Native Council men - An office I think you will consider him well quallified to fulfill from his thorough knowledge of the native Character and language Walter would keep on the Farm as he does now while Marsden or Alfred may be able to obtain a situation also (D.V.) We should by this means soon get over our present difficulties which would be a great comfort to us Please have the kindness not to take the to Mr Preece that we have written to you on the subject. If you could succeed for him we feel sure he would accept of the appointment and I shall ever feel gratefull to you for your kind intersession in my dear husbands behalf - Trusting that your health is quite restored I remain with kind remembrances Dear Sir Yours etc. M.A.Preece Senior To Donald McLean Esq.