Napier 18th Jany. 1869 Dear Mr. McLean There is not any news to communicate. The Court closed their proceedings for the present on Saturday Capt. Buchanan would not attend, the President telegraphed to Wellington for advice and was told to go on with the proceedings without him which they did, if this is not direct contempt of Court I do not know what is, and contempt of Ministers too; how Haultain will contrive to shelter him for such conduct as this remains to be proved. Some of Whitmores satellites have been writing in the but from what I can gather not much notice has been taken of it - Mr. Richmond left in the Sturt last night and is expected tonight. I rather think he will be late, there has been a tremendous sea for two days I never saw the surf higher near Napier. I am very busy with the Sheriffs work. I have a good deal to prepare for the Police before the next Jury List is made out. I remain, Yours faithfully Edward L. Green