Napier March 29th. 1857. My dear McLean, I heard about a fortnight ago that Ligar was appointed R.M. and Resident Commr. at this place, and the news has been confirmed by Fox and Fitzherbert who however can tell me nothing of what is to be my fate. I had hoped I should at least have had an intimation of the fact from you, if not officially at all events by a private note. I was loth for a long time to believe the report after the distinct assurances I had from the Ministry and yourself that I was to be permanent Commr. for Ahuriri, but now it is placed beyond all doubt. I need not tell you how completely this upsets all my arrangements, just as I had applied for a run and made preparations for taking up my permanent residence here. Now all is scattered to the winds, and after leaving Auckland on the distinct assurance that I was to be permanent Commissr. here, I now actually am ignorant whether I am still in the service of Govt. or not, and that without any fault being (as far as I know) laid to my charge. If the Govt. thinks that treating officers thus is the way to attach them to the service and make them work with zeal and activity, it is grievously mistaken. In my present state of ignorance I do not like to trust myself with writing too much, but I hope you will let me know my fate as soon as possible, as under present circumstances it is a matter of great importance to me. You may remember how anxious I was to have the N. L. P. Officers gazetted --- perhaps you will now admit that I was right. Yours faithfully G. S. Cooper.