Wellington 17 Octr. 1866 My dear McLean Your operations have been a great success. You appear to have waited just the right time - laid your plans skilfully - and struck forcibly - The result cannot but be felt by the Hau Haus in other places (who were no doubt more or less in concert with those at Omaranue) as a heavy blow - The "St Kilda" will leave tomorrow for Napier to take the prisoners at once to the Chatham islands. The "Sturt" will also go to the East Coast in a few days with stores etc. for the "friendlies". She would have been despatched sooner but was requested to take the Governor to Patea- whither he went on Monday the 15th you will have learnt that McDonnell has had a successful encounter (a night surprise--- with the Hau Haus near there which has impressed others in the neighbourhood considerably. I have no doubt Sir George's visit to the District will be productive of good. Ngairo, Wi Hape and others have been parading in the Wairarapa lately in rather an ostentatious manner, Since the Defence force has been removed to Patea. We are watching their actions and may possibly flutter them shortly. Let us have any intelligence you can gather as to any plots of Hau Haus in other places we have reason to believe that they are in close communication with each other in many parts of the islands from North to South - I should have much liked to have promoted your and Captn.Buchanan's idea of an Artillery Corps - which would be useful both in the present and future - but (as you know) there was no portion of my plan for the defence of the country which was viewed with more disfavor, and no person did more to promote this feeling than Colonel Whitmore whose opinions in opposition to the formation of any such Corps were constantly quoted to me by members on all sides of the House. While at the same time no support was given even by those who might have been expected to have been favorable to the idea which consequently had to be abandoned - If members won't support the Govt. proposals - even when they know they are right - then "right" goes to the wall.' Faithfully yours E.W. Stafford