Napier May 17th. 1876. My dear McLean, The Cross has been detained so I add this to what I wrote yesterday. This morning I received a reply from Ferris - he cannot come here, he says his engagements at Poverty Bay could not be completed in less than three months and what we want is some one new. I was having a talk with Locke this morning and see no reason why he should not go about more among the Natives. He agrees that in their altered frame of mind he may be able to do good by going round the district occasionally. I think therefore we will wait and see how this works. I shall of course be going to Wellington Next Month and a new man without guidance might do more harm than good. Hamlin is working very well just now - his heart is thoroughly in the work. What is against him is that the Natives are constantly told that he was one of the men who got their land for them. I hear this morning that the stopping Locke from going to Te Aute has completely upset Russell and Sheehan's plans that they are trying hard to get the Natives to come to Napier to execute the Deeds but that a large number of Natives now make excuses and wont come. When Locke's note saying he had orders not to go to Te Aute reached Russell, he went nearly mad, cursed and swore fearfully. Scully was present and says it was quite a sight. Last night I received a telegram from Vogel about Bell. Vogel says all your Colleagues declare they never led Bell to expect a seat in the L. C. personally Vogel says he would rather like to see Bell in but that the Govt. has decided generally not to call anyone. I have written Vogel telling him that I only told you what Bell had written me. Vogel wished me to ascertain which Minister had made the promise, but I have told him there is no use in doing that - if it is not intended to call Bell then the less said the better. I have however told Vogel I think it would be a nice act on his part, and that of the Govt. to give Bell a Seat. An exception might fairly be made in the case of a man like Bell, an ex-speaker and one of such long standing as a public man. I hope Vogel will do it. Vogel wired me today for my opinion as to the appointing fresh Maori Ministers and adding to the European Ministers. I have told him that I am quite sure public opinion is against it, but that he will have no difficulty in getting the House to agree to additional European Ministers, as it is manifest that after abolition the work will be enormously increased. I see from your telegram of this morning that Bartings is to be asked to propose the reply to the Address. I knew nothing of him but should have preferred either of the people I named to you. As to Mr. Russell seconding I dont think he will be at Wellington for the opening. He is arranging to go to England from Wellington at the close of the Session and told me lately that he could not be present at the opening. Cox will do well if he will do it. Yours always J.D. Ormond.