Wellington 23 Decbr. 1866 My dear Maclean, I write you a few lines about the Telegraph privately, as officially I am waiting your answer to the last Colonial Secretary's letter. We have sent to England for sufficient wire, etc. to make the line as far as Napier; We have a let a contract for Poles and their erection from Wellington to Masterton, and we have advertised for tenders for the same work between Masterton and Castle Point, intending to carry the line by the Coast - I am now anxious for information as to the character of the rest