Surveyors Arms, Rangitikei, August 3rd, 1850. Sir, I beg leave to thank you for the note you sent to Major Durie, which had the effect of my license being forwarded the next day, but to my astonishment and disgust I find the copy of the anexed obnoxious paragraph by which you will perceive I stand altogether unprotected from the opposition of any neighbor either Maorie or European, with whom any traveller may make a bargain and whose establishment for that purpose may be conducted without any other expense but his own labor in looking out for chances to my injury. After the expense I have been at can it be called either by the Government or any other party a fair thing, that a person situate as myself should be compelled to keep up an establishment to provide for the conveyance of a passenger, who may either choose my means of transport or that of any person Maorie or European who may take a lesser fare than that authorized by Government. I trust sir that you will perceive the justice of my remarks and use your influence for the purpose of just protection being given both to me and others on the coast who doubtless suffer from the same injustice. Mr. A. Green has to my astonishment a public license for this district, which cannot also fail to injure me to a certain extent. Major Durie was the person by whose means the license was granted. Should not just protection be given me I shall use my utmost endeavor to dispose of this place and trust to Maorie trading in Flax etc. for a means of living in the Interior. Can a European take a lease from the Maories at Parawenui or elsewhere for that purpose? I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Most obedt. Servt., Thomas Scott. D. McLean, Esqr.