Gwavas. 1st. December 1868. Dear McLean, We had really a good meeting at Waipukerau 2 Russells A. Deane 2 Hairnes Duncan Grant.Gollan Drover and several others. Purvis Russell agreed at once to guarrantee 250 or all if necessary. Drover and Gollan joint Guarrantors. With the Waipawa people there was more trouble but today they had nearly made up their Guarrantee. I am afraid Hamden is hopeless notwithstanding they had promised everything. I have promised them on the part of the Govt. the tender if they will put it up I have consented to wait till 3 P.M. tomorrow to give them the opportunity of guarranteing the work I was so delighted to hear Tanners troop got off so well I waited till late on Saturday long to assist in any way and at last gave them a sort of order to satisfy them I do hope the other Volunteers will be smashed I will authorise Withers writing anything you may suggest that you consider will assist in this. What about Whitmore H. Russell considered he was certain to come having heard from Stafford but didn't feel inclined to bet upon it Stafford posts him up in most things. As all your telegrams to Wellington pass through Waipukerau and may be read there any you consider necessary for the people of that district might be stopped there and given to Purvis who seems inclined to do anything he can. Yours very sincerely, Gwavas Carlyon.