Napier October 22nd /68 Dear McLean, An orderly is leaving for Weiroa and I send a line altho' I have but little news to give you --- We have heard nothing reliable from Wairoa since you left and are anxious for news --- Ministers at Wellington are equally anxious and keep enquiring I have of course no news to send them --- Haultain telegraphed to me that no steps were being taken to move Frazer or any of his men here and would not be taken until Richmonds report from the Wairoa was received. I have told Ministers that the whole success of our plans for crushing the enemy depend upon our having such a force as Frazers "trained men" to lead --- I have had no further reply and fear we have no reason to hope the men will come --- Haultain telegraphed to me the arms to the natives which I was to have issued were not to be given out --- I replied Richmond had told me to do so. He then a day after told me I must issue them. I had in the interim however been obliged to tell the natives the arms were not to be given them --- and I have not since thought it necessary to re-open the question. They were all very sulky at the refusal. Yesterday Haultain telegraphed Govt. had no funds for the maintenance of the Women and children shd. they be removed here from Wairoa. I have taken no notice of this and have made necessary provision for the women etc. should they come --- Haultain telegraphed yesterday that he had ordered the 100 men just enrolled at Auckland to come via Napier and authorised me to stop them shd. necessities of Wairoa require them --- I have told him that that kind of force is not what is wanted --- We want a small reliable force. I will write you again by next messenger. Yours always J.D. Ormond