To:- the Rev. R. Taylor, Wanganui. Taranaki. 23rd. March 1846. My dear Sir, It is so long since we heard from you, that I sent Mair off direct to Wanganui, to return with letters from you, for which we have been so anxiously looking by every native from the South, for the last fortnight. I quite congratulate you on the success of your visit to Wellington, as far as the Land Question is concerned; as we hear from there that the Governor intends paying you a visit, with the £1,000 compensation for the natives. This will, I trust, enable the settlers to occupy their sections without much delay; and will secure to the natives, the benefits of a friendly relation with them; which I have every reason to hope will exist as long as you remain their natural guide and advisor. How deplorable indeed would the state of our whole native population be at the present time, if they had not conscientious and wise advisors. May your ''tamaiihis'', which is the most expressive term I can use for them, keep themselves aloof from all the evil and strife that is at present going on with some of their relatives at the Hutt; and continue to deserve the good character for improvement that has so evidently taken place amongst them; and whic I intend to report forthwith to His Excellency. As he does not come here first, as we anticipated, I hope you have had the goodness to communicate the results of our journey, with a copy of your Report,-which on reading through again, does not require any alterations, by furnishing it as your own; giving me an opportunity of writing a separate one; in which I advert to subjects that could not have been admitted in that; but with which you will be acquainted when I see you at Wanganui; if no alteration takes place in my services not being required there; as you are no doubt aware that the Protectorate is done away with at the close of this month. Mr. Wicksteed has kindly written a short article relative to your land purchase at the North. From his acquaintance with several respectable Editors of papers in England, I considered it best to place the matter in his hands; and have taken the liberty of putting him in possession of the facts relative thereto, contained in your last letters. The latest intelligence we have had from Auckland is that Kawiti, with 200 of his followers, visited Tirarau of Kaipara; with the supposed intention of influencing that Chief to form an alliance with himself and Heke; which was not acceded to. Heke is reported to have gone on a similar errand to Parore, the Chief of Kaihau. All continues as yet quiet at the Bay. There has been a fight amongst the Waikatos near Manukau; in which several natives and 4 Chiefs have been killed. We are, ourselves, very much in the same state we were in when I last wrote you. Unfavourable reports are frequently in circulation; but I hope, with the assistance of Providence, we may avoid serious disaster. I have, at length, erected a Native School House; and want, very much, to have a good-sized bell, if you can spare one, for the use of it. I feel obliged for your enquiring after my hand. He continues an. attentive and useful servant; and is anxious to visit the Mission Station, to assist Mr. Bassil in his gardening; and often says,- ''I should like to see Mr. Taylor's children. They are so kind and well-behaved.'' I shall now say Good-bye,- wishing you Mr. Taylor and all the children every happiness,- I remain, Yours sincerely, (Signed) D. McLean. Mr. Webster asked me to add his compliments.