Auckland Decr. 8th, 1870 My Dear McLean My only apology for writing is that the Governor today extracted a promise from me that I should write two words to you about the late murder of Todd the Surveyor otherwise I would not have taken the liberty in fact I have nothing to say and know nothing of particulars besides what are in the papers - if I am to say anything it is only that the affair appears to me to be the first fruits of Lord Genvilles dispatch and which I have looked for sooner "hit him he has no friends" - the thing is an ugly business no matter how you handle it. it will be soon seen whether it is a deliberate Tonowhawhai or only an ebullition of hatred which has caused an act which after being done they may be sorry for, anyway it is a bad business. know best what you are to do that is in fact the real question for us now. I beg pardon for this liberty but the Governor made me say I would say something, he seems uneasy and nervous about it and vexed. I am going to Mahurangi to the hot springs tomorrow where I shall be for two weeks, being very unwell from rheumatism a broken shoulder blade, and the tag end of a Typhus fever I am almost used up I have been travelling holding courts and getting exposed to bad weather without giving myself any quiet or I should have been well long ago - but fear now I shall have a serious trouble to get well if indeed I ever do. the Prince is here and going to Taupo or Rotorua. I shall be here till the end of January. At all times I am, Yours sincerely F. E. Maning