Napier Decr. 28 1871. Dear Sir, I enclose for your perusal 2 extracts from the Telegraph paper. There is a great change in that journal since Mr. Lords withdrawal. One word with reference to him. He is awfully wroth about your reception or rather non-reception of him when he was last in Wellington and swears he will reciprovate by abusing you and your Dept. in every possible way - but what I want to say is this - If you do anything for him, he will think you are afraid of him and abuse you a thousand times more than if you treat him with silent contempt. Re Tareha who could have sent you so foolish a telegram about his being lost - I have to worry my brains to ascertain what your Telegram meant as no such reports have been in 'circulation' here. I got word from as far as Meanee but no one seemed to know only surmise he was at Pawhakairo - I could get nothing for certain - so I sent word to Sergt. Baker to send me an orderly at 10 clock next morg. He did so - but just as he was coming up, I learnt he was at Tarehas Bridge setting eel traps - which circumstances I let you know at once - and then sent word to Major Green who had gone to the Spit not to send an orderly as I had found Tareha. There was no use my telegraphing to you when I had no certain information. Every one was away - orderlys and messengers - all away taking Holiday - I knew I was the only official in Town - I was sorry you decided it necessary to send to Major Green with the matter as I was doing my utmost otherwise than going myself, which from Telgrams I expected to receive that monr. from Mr. Ormond I could not do to ascertain the information you required. Mr. Ormond has just come and Kena is sailing this eveng. so I must conclude. Hoping you are enjoying good health, I have the hr. to be, Dear Sir, Yours sincerely, Geo, Thos. Fannin.