. (Errors not altered) (Sgd) Edward Green) Stafford Redoubt Wairoa December 26th. 1868 Sir, I beg to enclose the copies of a letter to you No. 50 informing you that I had employed Mr. Burton to follow the Native Expedition to Tauranga; also one from you to me dated 30th. November, in which you state you consider Mr. Burton efficient for the duty required. Also a Copy of a letter dated 18th. December, written by your instructions to Mr. Burton, and signed Edward L. Green. I have the honour to inform you that when Mr. Burton handed the letter to me, he expressed his surprise at having been applied to for information relative to a duty on which he had been engaged by me, as the Officer commanding at Wairoa, and whom only he knew in the matter, and whom alone he felt he was responsible to. I consider it my duty to draw your attention to this letter, as such action on your part tends to weaken my authority and influence in the position I hold in this District, and cannot but be injurious to the interests. I beg to add that I forwarded to you Mr. Burton's original note as to his proceedings to the front, and to inform you that I have desired Mr. Worgan to write through me should he have anything official to communicate, with a view to my knowing what is likely to take place amongst the native population, with the loss of time which must take place before I can hear it through you. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obed. servant (Signed) C. Lambert Commanding Wairoa District. To:- Donald McLean Esq. Napier.