Napier June 16/69 Sir, Col. Whitmore has written word up here that Mr. Stafford has got 3 majority he also states that there are 3 parties in the House - Your Honour, Stafford and Bell, and that Mr. Bell will side with Mr. Stafford. Swinley his aide de camp (W.) also stated I supposed by Mr. Whitmore's directions the same. I enclose you a letter written by Worgan which I imagine would tell well if reprinted in the press in Wellington His Excellency recd. but poor courtesy from Mr. Russell, Lambert or any one here. I expect he felt your Honour's absence. Fairchild when calling at the Defence Office the other day was asked by Col. Haultain what he wanted, is it a fresh set of sails - oh. no, said Fairchild in his usual tone. I'll wait until the new ministry come in. I'll get more from them than you. He has an awful down upon Col. Whitmore - he accused him (W.) of making his vessel a prostitute for Maori women - particularly Kooti 2 wives. The Boiling down establishment I believe intend to make some offer of terms as regards paying the fee for slaughtering. I hear Whitmore intends prosecute Hawthorne for libel agt. him in the pamphlet. The selling price is 2/- it would not cover expenses otherwise. Every one is so anxiously awaiting the termination of the Want of Confidence motion debate. It is remarked up here that if your Honor had moved it there would be a greater majority. People have not got much faith in Mr. Fox - they don't trust him. Mr. Wood would be very glad if you would give him all the information in your power. he is workingvery hard and spares no expence. I enclose one of his pithy sarcastic remarks from the Herald of today. I also enclose an account which I recd. from Walter Hallett. I expect if the Wellington has not gone too soon that there will be a couple of letters in the Independent. Worgans daughter is given over from hooping-cough so he is in very little spirits for writing. The a/c of the fire we hadin Napier is in the Hawkes Bay Herald better and fuller than I could give you. Old Mr. Brewer has been in Napier - he goes on by this steamer to Wellington. There is to be a branch post office - money order office etc. at the Spit which will necessitate the employment of an assistant. May I ask your Honour not to forget Eustace as it would be aboon if I could get him into something. Karaitiana in talking with Mr. Russell about sending natives to Haroto said I am not going to do such a foolish thing as you want me to as to send 15 of my men to Haroto. I'll tell you what I will do - you send 50 Europeans and I'll send 50 natives - otherwise not a man stirs. Rerata. and the rest would not send a man - I heard it stated that if Col. Whitmore had shewn his face at Waikaremoana every man of the Ngatiporous would have left. - 50 pamphlets go to Mr. Lyon from Wood by this steamer - if possible I'll send some home to Morrison by next steamer. Everything is very quiet in Napier. Mr. Weber is getting on very well with his mill. The St. Kilda had a very bad passage up - at times even with full steam up. She would not answer her helm but turn round and round like a top - Fox thought it was all over with her. I think I have told your Honor all so will conclude and have the honor to be Sir Your most obt. St. Geo. Thos. Fannin