Napier, August 11th, 1870 My dear McLean, The Rangatira is just off on her return to Wellington. I have not much to write you by her. Of course I have found heaps of work waiting me here and shall have a busy time whilst I remain. The Luna leaves tonight for Wairoa, lands Hamlin and the money and goes on to Poverty Bay. I have directed Westrup to get together which information he has and let me have it by her on her return. I came on to Wellington by her as soon as she gets back. Wilson goes to Wellington by the Rangatira Fannin says he has been collecting information to give before a committee of the House respecting Mangateretere. I suppose he means the Committee sitting on Native Reserves or possibly a Committee expected to sit upon the working of the Native Lands Court. I have no doubt he is vicious enough to do anything he can but I doubt if it is intended. Buchanan who is watching him has been getting up the history of the little Bush case in which H. Russell, Wilson and Co. are implicated and which is a very disgraceful business. Buchanan goes down with me in the Luna and should any attempt be made by Wilson in the direction reported. Buchanan will give evidence of their proceedings in the other case which will rather astonish any Committee that hears it. What a queer thing politics is - Here is our great enemy Buchanan suddenly transformed into the staunchest supporter. Everything here is going on well and the season must have been very favorable for the place looks beautiful - spring is quite commencing. From what I can gather from some of the natives I have seen there is some undesirable feeling gaining ground among some of our Natives - I fancy the loss of their lands must be at the bottom of it. There is nothing much in it at present still it is one of those things that want watching. Henare Tomoana was here just now he wished me to tell you that Whitmore and Russell had asked him three separate times to complain to the Assembly about the pay awarded his people for Taupo services and that when he replied that He and I were agreed about it. They told him they did not care so much to get at me they wanted to have a handle against you, and promised to secure him fully daily pay from the Assembly if he gave them his case. Henare would give evidence of this if wanted. I must stop mail closing. Please send me all news by Telegraph Yours always, J. D. Ormond