Wallingford October 31st/64 My dear McLean, Paul Ropiha is here again bothering for a letter to you about his claims in the Manawatu country which Featherstone purchased lately. He purposes with others going to Wellington to press the same upon Featherstone. There is no question that the Ropiha family Apiata Ihakara and the rest of that party are large claimants in the purchased block and ought not to be overlooked. It would be especially damaging to our plans of acquisition of territory to treat their people/unfairly. What they want from you is a letter to Featherstone supporting their claim and saying who they are. I have told them I am sure you will give this. They go down having arranged to dispose of Roy's place - that is I hear settled. I wrote you by the Mail and have no more to say now. I began shearing my young sheep this morning the weather has however changed and is not so suitable as it has been. In haste Yours always, J. D. Ormond