Auckland Octr. 31, 1870 . My dear McLean, I got yesterday your letter of the 26th. The native news is satisfactory. As to the "Luna," I wish you wd. let me know positively whether she will, or not, be placed at the disposal of the Duke of Edinburgh on 1st Deer. While lately at Wellington, H.R.H. understood that his proposed visit to the Arawas wd. be desirable on public grounds, and that every facility wd. be given him by the Govt, It wd. be discourteous to say the least, to disappoint him now, and to refuse to give him the "Luna" for even a fortnight. She can visit the stations of the Constabulary etc. of wh. you speak, on her way to Auckland. Recollect t that she cannot be ready by Deer. 1st. unless she is here at least 10 days before that date. I really think too that you ought to meet the Duke yourself on an occasion like this. He is a kotuku, as the Maoris say, and comesonly once in a life-time. Clarke tells me that 3 weeks notice ought to be given to the Arawas. Pray write to let me know positively about the "Luna," and whether you have given notice to the Arawas. Yrs. very truly G. F. Bowen To:- The Honble. D. McLean