Sept.26th 1866 My dear McLean I have not a line from you this time; I trust you are not unwell, but that cannot be or Ormond would have mentioned it - You have not sent the proclamation calling council for the 3rd proximo dated 17th Inst. The Gazette is out and I shall expect you up by the Ashley as council has been twice called now and it won't do to put it off too often. The Petene Maories have pulled their church down and sold the materials but have otherwise been quiet -The Ringleaders Kinita, Paora Toki, Panapa and Kipa are staying with Paora Kaiwhatu, so he told me, until you come back - Rangihiroa they seem to have pushed rather into the background. I think the location of a Regt. at Taupo would be an excellent move for this Island and Province whatever the Southern men may say and tend more than anything else to pacify the natives who would be cowed by a force in the centre as well as both coasts - Here is a letter from Major Fraser enclosed - Yours always Joseph Rhodes