Camp Tuparoa 13th. Decr. 1866 Donald McLean Esq. Dear Sir, Since my return to Te Wairoa I have been about amongst the settlers to find out the general feeling with regard to the Volunteer Corps that was enrolled here. I find that there is a strong feeling against Worgan's having the appointment Ensign. I spoke to him on the subject with a view to getting him to resign. His answer was that he had written for your advice on the matter and would abide by what you might consider best to be done. Now if you have not already written him you would oblige me very much by giving him a gentle hint. He is a very shrewd fellow and one not to be made an enemy of with impunity. Whilst I am on this subject I would be glad if you could possibly manage to get another case of arms and accoutrements sent up here. We had a night out on Monday night last. Fraser turned out all hands and if we didn't frighten the people it is a caution. He will tell you all about it on his arrival he leaves tomorrow morning for Napier. There is nothing of importance going on Fraser has been up to see the land for township etc. and Burton will commence surveying it at once. Tamihana's people seem to dislike this settlement of the men so near them. It is however a most important position and one in which I fancy Tamihana has very little real claim. Great preparations are being made for this large feast. The country looks beautiful - no want of rain has been felt at all. I have scribbled this note very hastily as I have very little time. With kind regards believe me Yours very sincerely Wm. A. Richardson. P.S. It would be better I think for Worgan to resign than for Col. Whitmore to reject him. W.A.R.