Wellington May 1/67 My dear Maclean I wrote you a hasty note to go by the "Beautiful Star" yesterday but lest it should be delayed write again to tell you that I found it impossible from the tenor of recent despatches from home to make any the most remote or unofficial suggestion to the Governor respecting the quarters of those troops which may be retained for a time in the Colony. The despatches are of a very offensive kind and it would be improper in any member of the Govt. to say a word more on the subject. Genl. Chute has announced his intention pending reference to Gt. Britain, to retain the 18th. Perhaps therefore the Governor may choose to give instructions for their distribution. It would not be any interference with the claims of Ministers to be sole advisers if you as a private individual thought right to suggest the position of Hawkes Bay as regards native population. The Governor left by the Brisk on Monday evening for Auckland. The Macandrew affairs and others of a pressing kind have hindered me from bringing the "Mahia" proposals to a conclusion. I am taking the matter in hand now and hope to settle it definitely by next mail. Biggs gives a bad account of his negotiations at Turanga. In talking to the men I mentioned the existence of "a harder law" (the N.Z. Settlements act) applicable to their case if they would not help us with the East Coast Act. I am very loth to issue more orders under the N.Z.S. Act but I think it will be very mischievous having gone so far to allow ourselves to be beaten and I see no hope of getting well through the Native Lands Court if the natives are advised to resist. The '' in the E.C. Act is on us - in the N.Z.S. Act on the Natives. A much simpler arrangement for the Govt. Tell me by the first opportunity what you think of the matter. I fear our failure will not only be a very mischievous encouragement to intriguing pakehas - minitas and disaffected natives "friendly" or hauhau - but also an annoyance to Mokena H. Potae and all our friends. We are dealing mildly with the Otago - or rather Dunedin revolution - endeavoring to get individuals to put themselves within reach of the Supreme Court. As there is no real grievance I think there is great reason to hope the rebels may come to their senses or at least calm down when one or two of them begin to feel their personal responsibilities to be serious. The West Coast looks hopeful still - but the anxious time - the removal of the Imperial posts has to be passed. I remain my dear Maclean Faithfully yours J. C. Richmond