Hamilton 31st. August 1869 My dear McLean, Yours of the 26th. August 1869 came to hand this day. My absence at Cambridge, and late return, puts it out of my power to do much more than acknowledge it. Your letter to L.H. shall be delivered all right, but to ensure its safe delivery, must go by special Messenger. After my long absence at Alexandra, I have been engaged in the other portions of my District, working up the lee-way, ergo have not really had time to hunt up native news of late. I go to Raglan next week, and will be absent the whole of the week;and the week after have to hold my monthly Courts throughout the District; so you must not expect anything in the shape of news from me for some time. I have forwarded a long letter from Hetaraka Nero, of Raglan, to Mr. Fox, in which he gives his reasons for asking for an interview with Mr. Fox. I do not think that his reasons contain anything more than we already know or suspect. I shall be very glad to hear that the Session is over. I know, from sad experience, that my troubles will commence. I need hardly say that we are all looking forward to great changes. In reference to my opinion of the Waikatos, or King's Party, my view of affairs is this - that they will firmly believe that this District will recant to them; but they themselves do not clearly see how it is to be recovered. They say if they make peace, or become on friendly terms with the Government, they at once yield up their claim to isolate us, by taking away all our Kupapa friends, both in the Waikato and on the East Coast. My own belief is that the Government will not be able safely to withdraw, for some time, the force in this District. Looking forward to seeing you in this District before long. I am Yours very faithfully (Signed) Will. N. Searancke. To:- D. McLean Esq. Wellington.