Auckland 23rd May 1870 My dear Sir You had sailed in the ''Luna'' for the south an hour or two previous to my return on Saturday last, from Waikato. Whilst there, I visited Ngaruawahia, Hamilton Cambridge, Awamutu Kihi Kihi, Alexandra etc. I very reluctantly decline the offer made to me of becoming Mr. Searancke's successor - I do so; because tho' I believe that at present, and perhaps for a few years space, I might be able to perform the duty satisfactorily, yet I am sure that I could not long continue to do so; and it would be equally detrimental to the Government, and prejudicial to my own interests that after having expended a year or more in making myself conversant with the district and its inhabitants, I should be obliged to resign and make way for an officer who would in his turn require to familiarize himself with a new location - Succintly - I find that I am too old to enter upon such an undertaking, the distance to be monthly traversed being about 300 miles: the roads will be impaired by traffic, and the bridges are already falling into a bad condition: these will increase the labour. I hesitate at incurring the large outlay which my move would cost unless I felt confident that should be able to stick to my work for a considerable length of time. I called upon Mr. Searancke and Col. Lyons and met Mr. Leslie, and since my return have told Dr. Pollen my determination. I return to the Bay on Wednesday - And now allow me to thank you for your kind consideration of myself in this matter and believe me to remain My dear Sir Yours very truly R.C. Barstow Hon. D. McLean