Private. Bleak House 2nd June 1873 My Dear Maclean The Native Memorial for the release of Maungatautari was sent here a short time since, to be forwarded to you, it was signed by a majority of the names on the lease, and others are agreeable to sign. In consequence of the native trouble I thought it would be bad taste just now, to forward the petition on to the Govt. and I have this day enclosed it to Wilson of Cambridge to get the other signatures, and when completed I will take your advice about presenting it - In consequence of the unsettled state of affairs the Maungatautari natives are in a perfect ferment, and many of them are most anxious to sell and draw money, I dare say it is very improper but Wilson has been purchasing on our account and paying small sums on account, taking proper precautions as far as possible; among others the two sons and a daughter of the late Wm.Thompson have sold their interest outright at £50 each and drawn £20 each as part payment - One of these sons, the elder, expressed himself as going to fight on our side, the other said he must go with his tribe, he seemed in a very low way, expressed himself that he should not live through this trouble, wanted a large payment as he should never come back, and wanted to sign a conveyance as he might have hever an opportunity again - I suppose it is very unwise, but we have purchased from more than half the owners whose names are on the leases - It appears there has never been any dispute or trouble abt. this particular piece of land, no difficulty about ownership, or apportioning the rents, now pd. about five years. There has been trouble about the next block Pukekura, and the other, nearer Walkers station, where poor Sullivan was murdered, please not include that country with my particular affair. I was very particular in asking if there was any dispute before commencing operations - Mr. Mackay seems to be operating with great zeal and discretion, you could not have had a better agent, he seems not to like Wilson of Cambridge, wont trust him, I think, the latter knows it, and I apprehend feels that he is unjustly treated, Mackay thinks he gave the newspapers information, Wilson says he has never written a line to the papers and given no information except to the Govt. I was glad the Govt. recognized Mackays services in such a handsome manner, the endeavour was being made to persuade him that he was being used as a tool, your handsome recognition gave the lie to all that - He told me he was thoroughly with you - They say Mair is jealous of his influence, and that Lyon does not like being dontrolled - I give it you as I hear it, straws shew which way the wind blows, and a hint to the wise etc. etc. Yours faithfully, Every Maclean When Mr.Vogel was here he very politely offered me a seat in the Legislative Council, and Mr. O'Rorke on his visit in very kind terms has repeated the offer, and done me the honour to say that the Government would be glad if I would come down to Wellington next session - I am in this position, I should like to go to Wellington very well, but I should be neglecting my private affairs to do so, and my brother and Mrs. Maclean are rather averse to my leaving for such a long period - Robert usually defers to me in most matters, and I owe it to him to consult his wishes in a matter of this kind, as it would leave him quite unassisted in that part of our business that I have always managed. It occurs to me that if you really wish me to attend the Assembly, that a rather strongly worded note from you to Robert might do the business. I beg to thank you for your kind consideration at all times. I trust I have not gone too much out of the way in my Maungatautari proceedings, if I have deserved your censure, I am willing to take it in a proper spirit I beg to remain, My dear Maclean, Yours faithfully and obliged Every Maclean