Napier Novr. 12th, 1872 My dear McLean, From Rogan's telegram of this afternoon I conclude that the Court is proceeding with the business - This will be a triumph for the Court earned by Rogan's firmness but I doubt much whether the result will be serviceable as whatever the decision come to may be it will not be able to be enforced - Locke had a long talk with Karaitiana yesterday during which Karaitiana told him of the determination having been arrived at whilst he (K) was at Wellington to prevent the West Coast lands being passed through the Court and so into the hands of the Govr. or for settlement. Karaitiana also told Locke that he had sent for Karaurias daughter to Pakowhai as he believed you were trying to get her into your hands so as to secure her interest in Ngatarawa. I mention this that you may know what the scamp is up to, he is very bitter against you and I hear Renata is quite as determinedly hostile as Karaitiana, the latter is planning another visit to Poverty Bay and thence to Tauranga and thro' the Arawa country - He told Locke he wd. not go near Ngatiporou but that if he made it all right with the Arawa he did not care about Ngatiporou - There is a great deal of activity among these civilized Maories that I do not like. We shall yet have to use the uncivilized to control them - Colenso also has had a talk with Karaitiana who told him that unless the Commission sat when the Maories were not engaged with their Crops they could not attend ot it. Enclosed extract from the Hawkes Bay Times of this evening will give you some idea of what is said by the opposition as to Mackay's visit to Tawhiao. The night is very hot rain wd. be a great relief. Yours always J.D. Ormond Clipping enclosed: From The Thames Advertiser, Nov. 5, we clip the following piece of intelligence, which, in a very brief form has already been reported by telegraph:- It would appear that Mr.Mackay has really gone on a visit to the Maori King, and that he has not abandoned that project, as was reported by that remarkably accurate authority - the Press Association, Tawhiao, we believe sent a formal and ceremonious invitation to Mr.Mackay, to meet him at Rekanui, and expressed a desire too "talk" with that gentleman. Why the King should take this opportunity of snubbing Mr.McLean and the Government, by selecting a gentleman who holds no official position, through whom to make his desires and wishes known, is not apparent. One fact is, however, very clear, namely, that Mr.Mackay has accomplished, without presents of flour and sugar, or "seed potatoes", that which Mr.McLean vainly tried to do a few months back - he has gone on a friendly visit to the King party.