My dear McLean, I received yours and the officials yesterday from Mr. Locke, and write this after the mail from ''Wonga'' has been closed, waiting for Cooper to write his report and complete his work of the Tikokina Reserves. I will do all that I can do but it is practically impossible to push on with the way in which Cooper causes ''delay'' I have waiting for him here since Monday morning. The natives turned off my men and would not let me survey on the Takapau land. Mr. C. did not go there at all. There is a report by Tiffen that the native King, (God bless his Majesty,''') has directed the Porongahau natives to give up opposition to the sales of the block owned by Ruru etc. Bishop Abraham complained to me that the Natives at Wairarapa and along the coast were not treated well in the sale of those lands, and spoke as if he intended to work in the matter with the Governor, Believe me in haste, Yours very truly and faithfully, M. Fitzgerald 15 Decr. 59 Melford Cottage, NAPIER