Wallingford April 5th/69 My dear McLean, The overland mail goes to Wellington in the morning and I write this line to go by it. In the first place I have no news to give you. All that I have heard since you left amount to this - that Hamilton who was sent in to Taupo to report on state of things there had returned and reported all quiet, that Te Kooti had retired into the Urewera Country and that the Uriwera had left him after the Whakatane fight in which they sustained great losses. This intelligence as I have given it you came from Lord Henry to Waipukerau so that it is far from trustworthy - the conclusions he seems to have drawn from Te Kooti's retirement into the Urewera country are that all is secure again. My impression is that it was necessary to look out for him again on the Coast very likely at or near Wairoa particularly if Te Waru has any force at Waikaremoana. His Lordship I conclude is acting as agent for Ministers altho' they dare not gazette him what a pass the country is coming to when such a panic stricken ass as he, is trusted with the peace of district. I am anxious to hear from you how far our movement for a speedy meeting of the Assembly is being taken up at the South - if as I trust they will, they take up the cry we shall force these wretched Ministers to accept the position and try the chances and we shall soon be rid of them then. J. U. Williams telegraphed to me that Jamie Stuart was at work at Karaitiana and Henare endeavouring to deal for Heretaunga Block - he said he had telegraphed to you. From your letter written as you were starting I see you had heard of Jamie's intention and wd. look out he did no mischief - please keep an eye on the rascal. I have not heard how forward the Memorial to the Governor is, but will write you via Napier after receipt of tomorrow's mail if there is anything to write about. I have not gone down to Napier as there appears at present no occasion, but you may rely on being there in a few hours if circumstances require it. I have arranged to hear frequently from Napier so that if anything shd. occur there will be no delay in my recieving an intimation of it. The mail passes Waipukerau Telegraph office Monday and Friday Evenings. I have directed one of the Waipawa policeman to come here on Wednesday and Saturday calling at Waipukerau at 2 p.m. for Telegrams. So that you can be sure of hearing from me speedily in reply to anything you may telegraph about on these days. We are having cold showery weather just now; so much so that a good fire is appreciated. I will now conclude. Always, Yours sincerely, J. D. Ormond