Wellington Jany. 16, 1869 My dear McLean It is a condition that no one who has been concerned in the Manawatu case shall be on the Commission - so Smith and White are ineligible. I don't know Locke, but I don't think that he is of sufficient status. Will you therefore yhink of some one else, and either write by Gisborne or telegraph me. They are concentrating a force at Wanganui, which ought to be sufficient to demolish a dozen Toto-Kowarus, but of course he will quietly return. A shocking bad feeling springing up towards the Cavalry and the Mounted Natives, likely to end in a row. By the way, I have nominated Dillon Bell, our arbitrator - of course nothing will be done before the Session is held. Yours faithfully I. E. Featherstonsigned