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English (ATL)

Confidential Hamilton Waikato

20th. Decr. 1871.



My dear Mr. McLean,

In accordance with the intention of which I gave you intimation before I left Wellington - immediately on my return to this place, I saw Mr. Leslie, Capt. Steele and other influencial settlers relative to a successor to me as the representative of this district in the General Assembly. I was urgently requested to say nothing about resigning until after the arrival of Mr. Hammond from Australia. I complied - Mr. Hammond who is a settler near Ohaupo - and a gentleman of large experience as a settler in Victoris would make an excellent Member, but when I asked him to allow himself to be nominated, he declined, although not very positively, I however came to the conclusion that my friends would not make any active stir in the matter until the seat was actually vacant, and therefore at a public meeting today I would send in my resignation to the Speaker which I have done one man who was a bitter opponent to my election proposed that the District Supplement the amount paid to Members by a sum sufficient to induce me to retain me seat. Of course this would be out of the question for me to accept so I declined - and it was resolved that the committee of the Waikato Agricultural Association (just founded) would take steps to secure the return of a fit and proper person without a contest if possible - as an evidence that the policy of the Ministry is generally approved of here, I may add that my conduct in the House was highly commended. I trust that my resignation may be gazetted as early as possible and that as soon after as prudent you will be kind enough to take the Usual steps to appoint me to the adjutancy of the District as I am very tired of doing nothing you may remember that I mentioned to you that I would be happy to act as a Sub Paymaster for this District. I find an appointment of this kind much wanted here the Constabulary are nearly two months in arrears of pay and private settlers have small sums due for services performed four months ago and cannot get paid unless by commissioning an agent In Auckland to draw it for them.

I hear that the Native potatoe crop is likely to be a failure this year - if it is true - it will have more effect on the Native question than many would imagine.

Believe me
Yours faithfully,
J. McPherson.