Gwavas 23rd. Feby. 69. My dear McLean, I hope you are getting through all your school troubles I hear there are plenty more meetings in store. I dont see what power you have got to stop the rate. Have you received the deputation yet. I am glad to hear that you have purchased the Hui land. From a letter I got from his Lordship he either is or pretends to be frightened about the Maoris he wishes the drills to he more frequent. I dont know whether from love of drill or because he fancies Ormond doesnt like it. If I had remained in command I should have liked them more frequently in the country where men had not too far to go but I don't intend to tell him so. It seems to me that we are getting into a greater muddle than ever on both coasts. What made them send Lambert to Wairoa is it for good. What number of scouts have they out now. I suppose nearly as many as Webers Corps but not in any way efficient. Yours very sincerely, Gwavas Carlyon.