Supt. office Dec. 2nd 1868 My dear McLean When I came in this morning I heard you had a guest who would occupy all your thoughts so have not called up - What can be done in this illadvised step of the Ministry? I feel very much for you in this dilemma, and only fear that the Province will suffer immediate ill effects from such discordant elements at the front - I suppose the Lady Bird will not call here, so as to give us a last chance by public meeting or other means of altering the present determination of the ministry - if the Tuparoas and our men are now damped and thwarted in their measures it may be the first step towards armed neutrality to be followed up by something worse far - Locke has just heard from Mr. Munroe that the friendly natives at Waikato had received warning of coming disturbance there, and a false movement now on this coast may end in utter ruin. Whatever opinion the Ministry may entertain of this or that commander will not serve to create that unanimity amongst our Troops which is absolutely necessary for success - In these very grave circumstances I would implore the Ministry not to force on our mixed Troops now in the field such a commander as neither white or black have the least confidence in. Yours very truly Joseph Rhodes Send word what news and what is to be done.