Hokianga October 1875. My Dear Sir Donald McLean, Whether it be from a failing of health, or, that I am beginning to feel the effect of years I am obliged to tell you that I am not as able as I have been to fulfil the duties of my office. I, in fact, feel quite knocked up and cannot hold out much longer under the difficulties and annoyances unavoidably incident to the business, I also suffer much from anxiety of mind lest I should fall into any illegality of procedure, for I find the present Act rather more difficult to work than the former, I hope therefore that you will not object to my sending my resignation as soon as I have cleared off the work now immediately on hand. I am far from wishing to give any inconvenience in any quarter, and shall be glad to give every assistance and information to any successor you may think fit to appoint so as to facilitate his induction. I really would not propose to leave the office if I felt able to do the duties in a creditable or usefull manner but I absolutely feel unable, and require rest or relaxation of some kind. I am merely good for nothing, and scarcely fit to make a Provincial Councilor, and it is time therefore that I was "abolished". Do please put an end to me, you will find plenty of people ready to take my place, and I may be a more usefull member of society now, out of office than in, if occasion serves, as I might take a part in the affairs of the country, which I have as good a right to do, not to say better, than many who make a great deal of noise to little purpose in your Parliament down there at Wellington. I am, and so are many here who think with me, very glad that your have carried your point on the matter of Provincial extermination, what we want is a good, wholesome, tyrannical, central Government, by we have had here enough of the Tutua faction, and New Zealand is becoming too great a country to be ruled any longer by them. Now please do not be pakeke, and do let me off, and I shall be for ever gratefull. Yours as always, Very sincerely, F.E. Maning.