Ohinehua July 18th./57 My dear McLean, I received your note this morning and cannot let Cooper return without a few lines in reply to it altho' I hope to see you so soon. Of course I write respecting the use I have been obliged to make of your permission to occupy here. I am quite aware that I am much to blame for having so done, under the circumstances in which the permission was given. The only excuse I have to offer to you is that it was the only point on which I could justify my occupation and also that I was quite aware from my former position behind the Govt. screens that my doing so would not make the slightest difference to yourself --- beyond perhaps an intimation that it would have been better not to have so done. Whilst on my part my very existence itself was at stake and there is no knowing what a man will do when he is fighting for his all. I am afraid my explanation is not so satisfactory as I could wish it --- still I trust the affair will make no difference in the friendly feelings you have so often evinced for me during the last few years. And now good bye --- hoping to see you soon --- believe me always, Very truly yours, J. Ormond.