Napier Sept. 28th 1866 My dear McLean I have your favor of the 25th Sept., and from what I gather I fear annexation is out of the question this time. Can you not get the management of the Poverty District somehow from Stafford on the part of the General Government which might answer our purpose equally well. There does not seem to be any talk of confiscation at all this Session and if something decided is not done soon there will be another campaign before it is settled. Does Sir George intend moving a Regt. to Taupo? Too good to be true. Your brother and sister were in Town today and have gone home. I told them you would be back on the 2nd prox. I suppose your Sister will come with you. Nothing new in the native line - I think I mentioned in mine of two days ago that our friends at Petane had pulled their church down. I have everything in readiness for the 3rd prox. as far as I can. Yours faithfully Joseph Rhodes