Poverty Bay 18 Feby 1867. Dear Mr. McLean, I left you a short note to tell you what I had done just before leaving Wellington or rather what the Ministers were going to do since then I have received letter telling me that the Governor is to be advised to suspend the Native Land Court over all that land between the present boundaries of the "East Coast Land Tittles Investigation Act" and those I suggested an amendment is to be made to the Act as soon as the Assembly meets. I have got the township laid off on paper and sent it down to the government for approval. The survey will be proceeded with as if the boundaries of the block were what they ought to be. The changing of the boundaries was all Johnstons doing. I wish you would be good enough to let me know what you promised to either Europeans or Maories in reference to land or remunerations for fighting on our side etc. as the government instruct me to have carried out any thing which you may have promised. Campbell went away this morning to Waiapu having been here about a fortnight holding his court. Three Maories have got six months each for breaking into Harris store and stealing grass seed. A bad accident occurred last week in the wreck of the Evening Star with a cargo of sheep for Auckland seven men were drowned fourteen escaped the vessel is a complete wreck we had one of the severest gales I have ever seen on this coast. The highest flood that had been known for ten years. I expect Locke up very shortly we shall go down together to the Wairoa meeting whenever that takes place Locke has the survey of the whole coast - much to Fitz's disgust. As usual he considers himself as an ill used individual. I am sorry to say the scab has broken out again in this district on the other side the bay which has hitherto been clean it will of course stop any more sheep coming up from Hawkes Bay Read is not going to run his vessel any longer in the Napier trade as he will be unable to get cargos. Hoping you are all the better for your trip South Believe me Yours very sincerely Reginald Newton Biggs