Compton, Tutaekuri Jany. 25th, 1865 My dear John, I just write a hurried line to inform you that the arrangement of my Salary has been progressing but slowly -- To begin with the time you spoke to Captn. Withers about it, you will remember that I then filled up the Vouchers -- I waited for three weeks and then after a considerable amount of searching and delay found that the papers had reached Catchpool's office and had then been put aside as useless. He informed me that he had no authority to pay me I next wrote officially to Captn. Withers, named the services rendered and requested him to apply to the Minister for Colonial Defence to give the necessary instructions etc. I also obtained a Certificate from Captn. Fraser of having duly performed the duties -- I was faithfully promised that these papers should be forwarded to Auckland per Steamer Jany. 6th I have not yet received an answer Fraser and Withers strongly recommend my applying for a Commission as the only means of securing good pay and eventually of obtaining the Land 250 acres -- I having attended the Force as Medical Officer ever since its creation -- I will write you word as soon as I receive an answer. I have had no pay since Octr. 31st and the sudden cessation of the pay has inconvenienced us sadly -- I shall be very glad to take any temporary thing going, for instance had I known of the Census the other day this District would have suited me capitally. With kindest regards - I remain My dear John Yours affectly. Fredk. F. Ormond P.S. I enclose a letter I had this mail from my brother will you kindly see if you can get his salary affair arranged for him. It is a hard case for him. He is suffering solely from Whitmore having neglected to arrange for the payment of the salary of an officer which he told him he was to retain and which he has up to this time done the work of -- and which I suppose is required -- J.D.O.