Wallingford May 20th 1863 My dear McLean, I was glad to get your letter by todays mail and have to thank you also for the various copies of official communications sent me by the post. I will refer to any presently that appear to want comment from me. The first point referred to in yours to me, is the Defence Corps. I see you have written again in reference to its formation. I am writing Domett by this mail and shall urge it also. The difficulty that suggests itself to me in reference to it is How on earth is it to be formed in accordance with the Gen. Govt. plan as delineated in the Gazette the other day. Men worth the having will never be got for the pay fixed and what I fear is that they will not allow the portion of the force that may be stationed here to receive different emolument for that at say Tarranaki where doubtless Govt. can get people on the miserable terms they have fixed. It seems to me that unless we can get the power to organize our portion of the force on such terms as may be found practicable by us, that the authority to enrol the force will be useless, will it not be well to point this out to Govt. and to offer in such case to make what additional provision may be necessary, over the fixed rates, from Provincial Funds. I quite agree with what you say about the culpable remissness of Govt. in leaving Distracts like ours entirely unprotected knowing as they must have done what they intended to undertake and the probable consequences. A Iso note the different complexion which must attach to a measure of the kind under present circumstances in the eyes of the Natives. It is with very much pleasure that I find as our intercourse increases how coincident our views on all matters of importance prove to be. What has called for particular urgency of action in relation to the supply of liquor to natives I suppose nothing beyond the increased chances of collision when in a state of drunkenness at a time like this, when excitement prevails. I dont think any measure will stop the supply. One of the most notorious houses I know of, is the one at Te Aute kept by Ellingham. Drunken natives are generally to be found there. I note what you say about our new Land regulations and Pollens opinion of the credit system. I believe properly worked with the requisite securities taken, that they may be very beneficially worked. The boundary sheep inspectorship I will write and ask W. Speedy to take I dont at all know whether he will do so, as he is now now very well to do and the pay is no great temptation (£25) The different objects you name as requiring provision such as Powder Magazine Gaol certain accomodation and safe depository for Deeds are all I suppose indispensable - the latter is the most absolutely essential in my opinion, and shd. be done at once It is most desirable policy for both our Provincial and the General interests that at a time like this all turbulent spirits shd. be if possible otherwise engaged and I think the course you are taking in endeavouring to employ Mr. Rangihiroa is most judicious. Let me see the Financial statement (if you can) that is being prepared for the Gen. Govt. before it goes as possibly I might be able to throw some light upon it. Your arrangement on account of Immigration are very successful, the parties named are sent for I imagine under the guarrantee system. I have a letter from Little Mr. Marshall about the School Inspectorship. Has our friend W. C. resigned it? If he chooses to keep it we cannot very well interfere with him. If he does resign I shd. prefer to see your idea of getting a really competent man like the Genl. Govt. Inspector to act for us, a good man might assist most materially on this very important question. Poor little Mr. M. has not ability enough to be of any use in the way I suggest. I return the paper about the Butler's, application. I know of no authority under which we the Prov. Govt. can do anything in relation to the public lands, which is not provided for by Act. of the Gen. Govt. Mr. Butler wd. be a very desirable settler from the description I have had of him but the reply to his application appears to me necessitous. That we have no power to do what is asked. Let me hear from you any news you may get from head quarters as to the present crisis and believe me always Yours very sincerely, J. D. Ormond.