Auckland October 22nd/63 My dear McLean, I have only just heard that the Lady Bird leaves almost directly. Yesterday they said she would not go till Saturday. There will be another opportunity on Saturday per Rangitira I will write more fully then. I send you the Waitara papers and the despatch between Grey and Newcastle. The Waitara papers are in my opinion disgraceful to Grey who has played his old game in the old style. If you like to send me anything you want made public - the Waitara question I will undertake to do it, On my own part I think the abandonment of Waitara only excusable as a matter of policy and even tho it is difficult to defend it. Domett comes out of it pretty well I think - Bell is weak as ever and and Grey is unprincipled and vicious. Yesterday the Governors address was replied to. You will find both the Address and the Reply in the Papers. The address is the most able one I have ever seen presented to a House of Assembly. The reply will not I think be received without amendment - Bobby Graham moved the reply in a speech which altho not particularly impressive as reported is not to be recognized as the one delivered. It was the most wretched failure ever attempted. Munro told him he must alter the wording and put it in the Infinitive mood - poor Bobby's look of absolute despair and total darkness as to such things as moods or grammar in general was splendid. Monro made the alteration himself to Bobby's greatrelief. Domett pushed me hard to second the Address telling me I must speak to it. I refused altho' he tried me at the last minute again saying that they were without any one whose antecedentswd. enable them to do it properly. I got him to ask old Barry Rhodes who did it - simply seconded it - without reference to consecration. I have not been able yet to take any action in matters of interest to us but will do so without delay. You will hear from me again by Rangtira. Excuse my haste I write to save the Mail. Let me have anything you want said on Waitara question by the steam on the 28th. The debate is adjourned until her arrival. In great haste, Yours always, J. D. Ormond