Napier 27th. Sept. 1865. My dear Fitzgerald, The "St. Kilda" returned from Opotiki, Waiapu, and Poverty Bay on Sunday last. There was nothing of importance going on at Opotiki. Brassey was feeling his way, and no doubt we shall soon hear he has fallen in with the enemy, A few prisoners have been sent up from Waiapu. It. Biggs, accompanied by a native, reconnoitred the Pukemaire Pah, and its weakest point has been discovered. The forest rangers would be on their way there to-day, but the "St. Kilda" got aground at the entrance of the harbour, while coming on shore with men and stores from the "Ashley. I hope to get her off by this evening's tide. No injury has been sustained. At Poverty Bay matters are most unsettled, but I believe 30 more men will keep the Hau Haus free of the landing place, and with the assistance of 30 or 40 of the settlers, they can hold their own. Hirini the principal Chief is here, and I propose keeping him as an hostage for a time. He is the most doubtful character I have to deal with at present. I hope you will get the twelve months clause to complete purchases inserted in the new Land Bill. It is most essential to us to have this. It is also of the utmost importance that we should have Rogan as Judge. In fact, the whole working of the Bill depends upon the prudence and Judgement of the Judge who initiates the work. Whitmore would like to have the Office, but whatever his Military capacity may be, he is certainly not suited for the office of Judge of a Native Court. I hope you will get a Bill passed to levy a 10 per cent tax on holders of Native leases outside the Land Courts. I remain my dear Fitzgerald Yours very truly (Signed) Donald McLean.