Wallingford, May 31st. /66 My dear McLean, You were still absent when the mail left so of course I heard nothing of you or your proceedings. I wrote you last week about various things which you can think of when you have time. I have nothing fresh to tell you of, but hope to get away from here in the course of another week or ten days. Write me by next mail what you have been doing at Wairoa and Poverty Bay. So Newton has got in at last - 31 seems the highest number "Barabbas" side can make up to. What a pity Newton did not exert himself at "Barabbas" election and slate him as he has Mr. Robjohns. Is old Colonel Russell going to be Native Land Judge? I hear so from Wellington. The Assembly will scarcely meet now till the end of June if not July. I have no news. Always Sincerely yours, J. D. Ormond. P.S. I hear that Weston Mr. B's partner is actively canvassing the Waimarema electors and that he will push Chapman hard. I have a letter from that old idiot S. Curling saying he desires to withdraw his resignation - rather late that now. J. D. O.