Nelson 7th July 1871 My dear Maclean About a month ago I was down on the East Coast of this island: and in coming up, I fell in with an interesting old Maori lady of the name of - I find I have put my foot in it. I don't know her name: but she is the widow of a man who was the principal Maori in these regions by name Kaikoura - The poor old body lives in a warry by the Amuri bluff, and is very badly off. She has a daughter with her, who is almost bed ridden with some spinal affection. It is really a case for charitable assistance - Kaikoura used to be allowed £50 a year by the Govt. The women I understand get nothing now. I have written to Mackay here about it: but he says that he can do nothing without special authority, and has promised to write to you for that authority. He has funds in his hands I believe but considers they belong to what may be called more strictly the Nelson natives. Should you be disposed to authorise the application of any money to the relief of this poor old widow. Mr. Caverhill of Hawkswood will be very glad to see to its due application. He takes a good deal of interest in the Maoris along the coast and first spoke to me about this case. So I see we are to meet on the 14th of next month. The sheepfarming Members will be getting uneasy before we have got very far with our Legislation, and so I suppose we shall have a repetition of the hurry of business which has been one of our principal difficulties up to the present time - I suppose we shall have Dillon Bell as Speaker - He possesses many of the qualifications which are required in the chair. He is clearheaded, courteous and good tempered, and has already had considerable experience in the forms of the House. I don't think it is likely that there will be any opposition - My wife I am happy to say is rather better and a little stronger than she was: though still a great invalid. I feel very thankful however to see her as she is: for her condition was one of great anxiety to me - With kind regards from all here, believe me, My dear Maclean, Yrs. very truly D. Monro