Hutt Sept. 23rd 1869. My dear McLean, Many thanks for the copy of Mr. Locke's letter on Flax which is very interesting. I trust that the Flax commission will be able to furnish the public with ample information both as to the manufacture and cultivation of the plant, the latter I take to be a matter of great importance in the event of a good machine being obtained for cleaning it. I want to have a talk with you about Mr. Locke procuring plants and seeds of all the varieties growing on the East Coast. In regard to the new Bill for Militia and Volunteers I would suggest that the best course will be for a Commission to draw up a Bill which can be submitted to officers commanding the different districts who could express their opinions on it and offer any suggestions, by this means you would obtain a more accurate idea of what is required. I shall likely be in Town next Tuesday when I will call on you. Believe me Yours very truly A. Ludlam. The Hon. D. McLean Wellington