Dec. 1st 68 Supt. office My dear McLean What further news from Wellington? Surely there can be no foundation for the report of Whitmores coming here by the Lady Bird, save the telegram of yesterday - No Government dare denude Turakina and Wanganui and Manawatu of its protectors one would think unless quite mad. After your decision sent to the Govt. yesterday surely they will not persist in foisting on us those we want not. We must support you as one man in strong measures here if no remonstrances can prevail with an infatuated Ministry. We must not tamely submit to ruin and I have no intention of doing so if packing the gentleman back contrary to law will help to avert it. Send the news. Yours always J. Rhodes P. S. In the matter of Buchannon's company of volunteers you will I fancy find the only remedy in the Company and enrolling them in the Militia for the present. This I must suggest - ask your military authorities if it is sound -