Napier, Feb. 9th, 1871. My dear McLean, I wrote you a long letter last night about different matters and this morning I have your Telegram of the 7th saying the Luna would leave that evening for Napier, and Wellington so I shall expect her tonight. I will take care and see Capt. Dudley Coote's and give him particulars about our Railway - What I write this for chiefly is - As you are not on board the Luna you will be some time before you come here and Waikato matters may prevent you. Respecting Mangateretere it is necessary you shd. decide how you will act - There is no doubt the Rent is due and that you are liable for it - Sutton's Unit will bring the matter to an issue - Your ground for not paying is you do not know who to pay to. My own opinion is that the money may have to be paid into Court and there remain in sort of Chancery until the respective sharesof the Grantees are lawfully allotted. I propose writing by the Luna to Hart for advice in your case on following points - 1. As to your liability. 2. Is the money obliged to be paid into Court or will the plea be sufficient - that the ownership as between the Grantees is not defined and that you will hold the rent until it is. If he takes advice on these points with Att. Gen., if he desires it, that is all I see that is wanted. If the money has to be paid you will of course need to arrange about that - I will do all I can to help you in it and will ask Hart to write you after receipt of mine and consideration of points raised. From Telegram from Moule just received I see Preece has seen fires in the ranges towards Horomanga and thinks it is Te Kooti he is off to see what it means. Yours always, J. D. Ormond. Gollan and old J. Anderson go to Auckland by the Ashley.