Camp Tuparoa 13th. Sept. 1866. My dear McLean, In the event of George Fannin giving up his appointments as clerk to the Council and the Supt. etc., I should much like to take his place as it would suit me much better than this Bedouin kind of life. Now these appointments are in your gift at least one of them. The other is voted by the Council and both being purely Provincial there would be no asking a favour of the Genl. Govt. I am tired of this idle life besides being entirely away from my family I only wish that I was independent enough not to be asking favors but you promised me the first thing that it was in your power to give I have no doubt you will fulfill it. So much for the begging part of this letter. I like this place much, the land you propose giving for a military settlement is very good quite equal to Poverty but there has been great mismanagement about the entrance to the River and much money spent to no purpose in trying to remedy the soil without the assistance of a practical engineer. If the entrance could be made good I look upon this place as fitted for one of the best agricultural settlements in the country. There are reports here about a Hau Hau invasion from Waikare Moana. I leave Fraser to give you all the information on this subject my own opinion is that the Forces will have to be increased and posts strengthened on this coast. I am very glad you did not accept office and you are still of Hawkes Bay. No one can deny but that the country has flourished, under your rule and under the most difficult and trying times. I have applied to the Defence Minister for a months leave and hope to be able to attend to my duties in Council at the next sitting; being the last, I should not like to be absent. I remain Yours faithfully Edmund Tuke.