Napier, Jany. 4th. 1872. Dear Sir, I duly received your letter and am glad you were satisfied I was doing my best re Tareha. If at anytime I may seem amiss in anything you tell me to do you may rest assured - the fault does not rest with me - some very unforeseen circumstance must occur that I cannot get over. I enclose extract from the H.B. Telegraph - they are endeavouring to bid largely for Govt. crumbs in the shape of advertisement - but it will not do to let them have too much otherwise they would think the Government was afraid of them. The conversation that passed was to this effect - of course if we dont get advt. as Herald we will have nothing else to do than walk into the Govt. every opportunity. I just said such a remark was not for my hearing - he said Oh I did not mean anything. I said that would do - a pretty pass things come to if the Press were to dictate terms of support - it was for the Govt. to do so. I send you extract from Kereopas letter today - thinking you might wish to ask any question of Kereopa - I am awfully busy sending to Mr. Ormond despatches etc. per Star the last opportunity for a long time. I also send H.B. Herald of today I have marked something which will show you how the Herald picks out good things. You must bear in mind that Col. Whitmore says you are not to be in office 1 month after Assembly meets. He frightened the life out of poor Mr. Campbell R.M. of Waiapu by saying "Look here Campbell I have had some applications for your billet at Waiapu so look out - I will now conclude wishing you if not too late all the complts. of the season and a Happy New Year. I have the hr. to be Dr. Sir Yr. most obt. svt. Geo. Thos. Fannin. The Hon. Donald McLean Esq., Wellington.