Wellington, Sept. 8th, 1865. My dear Maclean, Old Strang seems dreadfully down at neither seeing nor hearing from you, though from what Ormond tells me of the critical state of affairs at Hawke's Bay I am not much surprized at your finding no time to write. I quite share Strang's disappointment not merely because a sight of you is good for sair een but from more sordid motives. I am not unnaturally anxious to hear something of the arrangements you have made with Campbell as to my house and land, for but for an incidental remark in a letter of yours to the Judge I should not have known that a house had been built, and of its cost and the return I am to get for it I am utterly ignorant but it strikes me that Campbell must have been in occupation of the land for a considerable time and I suppose I ought to be receiving some rent though I know not from what time it commences. Campbell wrote me a note but does not allude in any way to business matters I was also anxious for your presence here because I feel uneasy about Campbell's official position: the Government I am told intend to make reductions in the number of R.M's about the country and I am afraid he may be deprived of his office altogether even if Curling's enemies succeed in getting him kicked out, I do not suppose Campbell would get the appointment without considerable effort on your part. Henry Russell thinks they ought to have a lawyer and R. M. who should also hold courts at Havelock and Waipawa. It has been suggested to me that Campbell would make a capital Serjeant-at-Arms in place of Mayne who has applied to retire on a pension I dont know whether his successor has been determined on. Curnin has been kicked out of office for displaying his besetting sin at a sitting of Council I have been waiting in Wellington expecting you both by last steamer and this and refused to go up country with Willis but in two or three days I shall probably try and make my way to his place as I suppose you will not be able to get down here for some time. I am glad to hear you have so completely recovered your health: you must have an anxious time of it at present. Wishing you God Speed, I remain, Sincerely yours, B. A. Ferard.