Napier 7 May 1866. My dear Stafford, I suppose Russell will give you all the news from this quarter. The St. Kilda is gone a fortnight today and neither she nor the Sturt have yet shown up. I hope no accident has happened to the St. Kilda. You will see by my official that the friendly natives have been gaining further victories at the one or 2 more of a similar kind would end the war. I do not see the way to confiscation till the war is over, and the lands of friendltes distinctly separate from those of the Hau Hau, a notice has been issued by Col. Russell against squatting in the mean time. I must say I have felt annoyed at being told by the Col. Sub Treas. here that he was not to recognise my approval of accounts. I consider that it was at least due to me to send such an intimation direct instead of through a subordinate. I cannot conceive after the exertion and trouble I have taken on this coast and still continue to take why the Govt. should have acted towards me in this manner and I shall be glad to hear further from you on the subject. I have endeavoured as much as any one could do to reduce expenditure, but there are cases where a country is in a state when injudicious reduction could only entail heavier liability. Truly yours D. McLean.