Tavistoch Waipukurau 9th Sept. 1863 My dear Maclean, I regret I did not see you on Thursday, as you did not make your appearance on Sunday I thought you had altered your plans and I sent my English Letter by Hiroka. The appearance of the Gazette without any Company being called out is a disappointment to every one hereabouts. I trust to hear that it is now done, and that of No. 6 Company are also called out, so that the whole Militia affair inland may not become a farce, as it now is with some 23 men appearing on parade in my Company. I have Written Whitmore fully on this subject, and with a suggestion that the northern portion of No. 7 Company of Militia should be joined to what remains of No. 6 after the Volunteering, so as to make one strong, and respectable Company instead of two handfuls. I have suggested to Whitmore how the staff of officers can be disposed of. Hoping to hear cheering news pr.steamer, I remain My dear Maclean, Yrs. always H. R. Russell The Arms are left about in such a loose state that I am very uneasy about it. Fancy 100 stands being left in the Court House at Waipawa without any guard, and we so near to hostile bands of Natives who would give any thing to possess such a prize. Truly with our slow training and preparations inland we shall be indebted to Providence if nothing happens us before we are ready. R.R.