Wallingford Decr. 23rd/68 My dear McLean, I received your note of the 22nd by the ''Storm Bird'' which vessel was at Black Head this morning to load wool for me. I see you have had a trip up to Wairoa and have started a large native force against Te Kooti. I hope all may go well with the expedition but have fears for the success of any plans where Whitmore is concerned. What does that letter of Hadfield's mean. I know he is a vindictive beast and hates you - still I thought you were getting on well with S. Williams and the Bishop and in that case dont understand his writing the letter. Tell me when you write what it means. Stafford's share in it is apparent enough, he desires to fix on to you the crime for which he has to answer and which he feels will drag him down. I see Wood published the account of the Porangahau meeting so that I conclude you saw no necessity for extreme reticence on my part. By the bye you must send a reply to the Resolutions I forwarded you - they will be disappointed at not getting one by this mail but I will explain you have been absent. There is no news at all from the Manawatu side - small parties are constantly passing backwards and forwards from the West Coast to Wairarapa, but that may mean nothing. Where will Titokowaru turn up? He seems to be missing by last accounts from West Coast. I wrote you last night about Militia and will send on Saturday afternoon to Waipukerau for a reply. You can send me any news you may have at that time. I have no more to write about and will close. Always, Yours very truly, J. D. Ormond