Napier Nov. 20th 1871 My dear McLean, There are some things I must write you about but I can only write hastily to-night and Luna leaves in the morning - First about Hapuku's affairs - The object of the last move of H.Russell and Wilson is, to make Hapuku's Bankruptcy date from the time he signed that first Deed of Assignment to H. and P.Russell. They say that was an Act of Bankruptcy and that his sale of Ngatarawa and everything else done since was illegal. I should think this rubbish, but Buckley will be able to advise you. H. Russells sworn evidence before No.97 Committee should be got for Buckley. He there swears he is fully secured by the Bill of Sale - Now he claims to be a Creditor to the extent of £1000. He cannot I take it hold to the Bill of Sale and be a Creditor also - This is a point Buckley should get decided. Please tell Buckley for me I am very sorry we cannot see the way to seize the sheep and that at any rate the Bill of Sale ought to be contested forthwith. The grounds on which it can be, can be gathered from Hapuku's evidence when examined by me before Committee. I have sent for Hapuku and in addition to Buckley acting for Locke and Lyndon as Trustees, I will get a direct authority from Hapuku so that Buckley can act on whichever he finds necessary - The Bankruptcy must be prevented if possible - as I hear it is on that that the enemy chiefly rely - Purvis Russell has been very busy with Hapuku since the old man got back and it is quite evident they intend all the mischief they can manage. I find no end of arrears of work here and it will be some time before I get through it all. The affair that wants attention and careful handling most is the Seventy Mile Bush matter - the natives have taken possession of Ross' Theodolite and Chain and keep the same. Old Abraham of Tohoraite assisted by Henare Matua's brother and people did this - I propose to send Locke up with Karaitiana to get back the instruments and re-start the survey - they will I think manage it - but if not we ought not to allow a few miserable wretches like the natives in question to take the law in their own hands - A little show of firmness wd. stop the Henare Matua opposition altogether and as it is unlawful it wd. be quite justifiable to take the necessary measures. There is no doubt Purvrs Russell was privy to if he did not instigate stopping the survey - Ross met him as he came to Waipukerau having left the Bush directly he was stopped and Russell jeered him on what had been done. The seizure of Ross' instruments took place when the line of a Reserve was being cut - I have started Porter for Ruatahuna to convey to the Urewera the substance of what we agreed on before I left. I sent letters to the different Chiefs the substance of which was that Govt. would withdraw Ngatiporou and leave the management of their district in their own hands provided they handed over Te Kooti to the Law. I have some hope this combined with Wepiha's mission may cause the Urewera to do so. Major Mair's Waikato news I think little of - I feel sure the Tamihana Native Clergyman story refers to our friend Tamihana Huata's meeting Te Kooti near Waikaremoana - these old Stories often get dished up in that way. In your Telegram of tonight you enquired when I can return to Wellington - I must be guided in some measure by the plans of the rest of you, but there is a lot of work here which in justice to our own place I must do before I can leave - If you will telegraph me after receipt of this what are Fox, Vogel and your own plans I will try and make my arrangements accordingly. Clearly I ought to meet you all before you disperse - The arrangement of terms with Brogden is the first thing and that you all have now in hand - The next step will be to cause the Colonial Engineers to inspect the lines of Railway it is proposed to construct first and report - and the next immediately necessary step in my opinion is to arrange for getting out labor - This ought to be done on a regular system and so far as possible settlement on the land should be carried out concurrently with the Public Works - I saw the necessity of this, so far as Hawkes Bay is concerned, long ago and with that view got the Scandinavians sent for for the 70 Mile Bush - The question is how far can that system be carried out in other parts of the Colony. Is there land contiguous to most of the proposed Railways for settlement? and can it be taken? To bring out a lot of people without providing for settling them is not desirable - Also it is not desirable to bring people out in mid-winter. The Immigrants sent for now should arrive about August next - meanwhile the labor of the country after shearing and Harvest operations are finished will allow of the works being commenced- and before next spring comes round the labor we shd. get out wd. take up the work and free the present settlers to attend again to their own holdings. However, it is no use attempting to write ones views on the subject in this hurried way - I wd. however suggest that the authorities in each Province shd. be invited to point out what land in the vicinity of proposed Public Works is available for settlement and what additional labor is likely to be required for the works proposed in different localities This might be taken for what it is worth - At any rate it wd. prevent its being said no opinion was asked from those whose local knowledge ought to enable them to form an opinion - It is late and I must close. The weather here is delicious - the very idea of Wellington makes me miserable after enjoying two such days as I have here since my return. Always Yours sincerely J.D. Ormond