Rissington 12th Novr. 1866 My dear McLean, Many thanks for your letter and enclosures. I confess I do not place much reliance on the Auckland reports as a rule - and in this case the only reason for supposing there is something in it, arises from the letter signed by "the Committee" in which some talk occurs about the Hau Haus wanting to avenge Panapa - I quite concur in the desirability if not necessity (which it really may be considered) of sending Mr. Spencer to Taupo. That young man though perhaps not irreproachable on some points, in pluck I am told to the backbone. I'd like to see him on his way up. It is ludicrous to be so ignorant as we are of what is occurring so near us, and I do trust the Govt. if it will not keep an Officer at Taupo with orders to report to you and Whitaker, at least will order frequent visits to be paid to that place. I have long held that the one thing needful to put an end to this native disturbance, is a march of a body of resolute men through from this to Taupo and so on to meet any other party hammering malcontents on the other side. At present this terra incognita of Taupo, serves as the place at which all kind of alarming projects are said to be concocted - Nothing has ever yet come from the small black cloud which seems to over-hang that place, but it is evident that so long as nothing is known of what goes on there, Taupo will be used as a sort of bugbear to frighten us all. I don't care for serving this Govt., but if I did I would press them to allow me to march a force through while Grey is at work. Let us hope nothing more may come of all this - But to be on the safe side I would keep Fraser and his men, asking to have the Waiapu Detacht. withdrawn to reinforce him. Also to have the steamer ready - Also to have the Militia enrolled and inspected. And to get permission to embody a few mounted orderlies which cannot well be refused in fact of Haultains sending the Wairarapa Hau Haus to invade Porangahau and Whitakers alarm about Hangitikei - two ends of the Province not less than 150 miles apart. I am glad the purchase is completed if it suits you, as it is sure to do or they would have awaited your return - Be staunch however about the next step. Unless that country is got too we never can have a close population anywhere and I see days before us in which it will be necessary to have a close population to defend the Province. Entre nous - Could you beg for me the Pah and say 50 to 100 acres at Omaranui? Do if you can like a good fellow. I hope Miss McLean will come soon, and that we shall have you both up here soon after not for a few hours but for a reasonable stay. Dont send for Troops. Whitaker wants to keep them in the country and to make a cats paw of you in the matter. Believe me Very sincerely yours G. S. Whitmore