Wellington April 30/67 My dear Maclean The Governor went by the "Brisk" to Auckland direct yesterday I said nothing to him about the troops question, for the offensive tone of recent despatches made it impossible for any of the Ministry to suggest anything in the most unofficial way. I understand however from the Govr. that Genl. Chute has informed him that the 18th is to be retained and he may choose to direct where it is to be placed. You will not be committing any breach of official propriety so far as the Govt. are concerned if you choose privately to keep Sir G. Grey in mind of the existence of Napier and of a large native population on the East Coast. The regular mail goes tomorrow to Auckland and I am writing by the "Star" to give you an opportunity of putting in your word. What do you think about putting Turanga under the New Zealand Settlement Act. The natives won't help Biggs with a reasonable proposal or accept one from him. We shall have immense difficulty in working the E.C.L.I. act in fact of their opposition, and I fear shall look very foolish in the eyes of our half friends and cause great annoyance to Morgan, H. Potae and our real allies by a failure. I shall be glad to hear quickly from you on this point. Yours in haste J. C. Richmond His Honor D. Maclean Hawkes Bay