3/5/70 Dear Sir, I suppose you have heard that Mr. Koch has been engaged to draw caricatures for the Wellington Punch during the sitting of the next General Assembly. I heard that Col. Whitmore said in private to H. R. Russell that Mr. Stafford and Co had no hope of doing anything this Session but would wait for the next. Mr. Stafford is working hard in the hope of a few of his outside friends may be elected for seats in the Assembly during next Elections. Another object that Col. Whitmore and Russell have in view is - to upset if possible by any means the purchase of the 40 mile bush - so that when the Immigrants come out in accordance with the scheme desired - they (the Govt.) will have no land to put them upon. Mr. Wilson the other day in reply to Mr. Whitmore who had been talking against the Opotiki affair (300 prisoners etc.) ''Now look here Colonel you had better shut up and not say any more - there is no denying it was the most successful and damaging affair to the Enemy that has occurred yet - peoplesay here that Mr. Stafford and Co pay his travelling expenses - The Supreme Court sits on 10th inst. There is very little stirring busy preparing for Council. I have the honor to be Sir Your most ob. st. Geo. Thos Fannin the Hon. Donald McLean Auckland