Gwavas 10 March 1869. My dear McLean, There is no doubt that in a country like N. Zealand when every man is compelled by law to serve in the Militia some means less liable than the present to Political influence ought to be adopted for regulating all matters concerning the local Forces. The present unscrupulous Ministry use their power in the most unfair and disgraceful manner to humiliate and annoy those they think politically opposed to them, and reward those who will truckle to them and their little Idol Whitmore I scarcely think it would be prudent at present to publish in the papers anything on the subject off the actions of the Ministry on Napier Militia. Unless the matter could be fully investigated it might be represented as a sort of squabble between Green Lambert myself and Buchan it is necessary that the Political animus should be fully shown besides we must hear what Col. Haultain will say to your case. I can't believe he will support Lambert and the Under Sec. I also want to hear what he says to my protests. It seems hopeless to expect to hear what has become of Buchanan's Court of enquiry to show how that was carried on it will be necessary for the House to have a committee who can examine the Officers comprising it on his insubordination. But when I get on these subjects I don't know where to stop. There can be no doubt that the province is in a most dangerous position at at present. Had Webers Corps continued Outsettlers would have felt some confidence of being warned in time as it is if it turns out to be true that Rewi joins Kooti I suspect there will be a general stampede of all those who can get away the loss to the Province will be incalculable. As far as the Mail goes communication with Napier has become a farce owing to the necessity of bolstering up Waipukerau and making it appear a village Hampden and Ruatanawha letters take from Tuesday till Saturday afternoon to get to Napier as all Public Offices and Stores are closed before arrival of Mail and as Return Mail starts before they open on Monday no answer can be returned till the following Monday which makes the course of Post one fortnight. When the letters go direct from Hamden to Waipawa as they used to they would reach Town on Thursday and might be answered by return mail. It seems a pity that we cannot have also a communication via Maraekakaho a trap would come up easily in a day to Hamden. I am glad to hear that you have consolidated your property by the purchase of the plains. Freehold is township much pleasanter that Leasehold. I suppose if the Government of Aorangi does not go ahead you will have one on your plain better situated. It would be a very central place for a Blacksmiths shop and draw together a small population. I shall try to get down to Napier shortly but as my movements depend so much on Mrs. Carlyons health so I shall trust to your continuing to keep me up in matters native and political. Believe me ever Yours sincerely, Gwavas Carlyon.