Napier May 20th. 1876. My dear McLean, Yesterday evening I received yours of the 15th. by the Pretty Jane. I have not a great deal to write you as I wrote fully a day or two ago by the Southern Cross. About Dillon Bell I am very glad you agree with me. Bell's case is an exceptional one. He is a man who has spent his whole life in Public positions in New Zealand - ending as Speaker of the House and now is out in the cold and feels it. I am sure it wd. be a nice act-on the part of the Govt. to call him. Vogel in writing to me about it says that personally he would like to see Bell in but that there is the general decision of Cabinet against adding any member to the Upper House. What about John Hall has he not been called? Of course calling Hall is right - no rule of that kind can prevail, exceptions are necessary. When you go to Wellington get Bell's case considered by Cabinet and I feel sure he will be agreed to. I amazed however at what Vogel tells me as to Bell having had no promise of a seat. Bell tells me in the plainest terms that he promised and that it was only after Vogel came out that it was decided not to call him. Of course Bell is a curious fellow apt to run away with ideas - still it is very odd. In replying to Vogel I have passed over all that and dwell simply on Bell's past career, and on his friendly action to the Govt. last session and that it would be agraceful act to call such a man when he is out in the cold and feels it keenly. Generally I concur in the decision of the Cabinet to call no new men. I see an attempt is being made to get Carleton called but that would be a political mistake he is a bore and might and probably would obstruct business in the L.C. The papers to-night have telegrams saying Bunny has been offered a Port-folio. The Wellington Argus had articles lately to the same point but that would never do and would only end in disaster. I should think he would most likely want employment and in that way might be made useful, if not spoilt by having had his own way so much. I see what you say about Frazer for the Thames - he is a cranky beggar and not to be depended on - for better keep him in his office. Frazer is the kind of man who is the greatest nuisance to his party. Get a less objectionable candidate if you can. I see Whitaker agrees with me as to taking no notice of Grey's impertinent letter about Civil servants the mistake was not to have snubbed him on receipt of the letter by sending it back. What is to be done about Gisborne? I am very strongly of opinion that he ought not to be allowed to return to Annuities Office. It is simply ruinous to the Civil Service Service to allow officers to be one day Political Candidates and the next Civil Servants. Of course I am sorry for Gisborne but I know if there is any weakness shown in his case it will be made the ground for sedious attack upon the Government. I mention this as from what he said I dont think he is going home. I see what you say about a visit to the Waikatos and I agree with you that there is not time bfore the session to do anything satisfactorily. Nothing would be more inopportune than any unreasonable demands from Tawhai and such would most likely be the outcome of an interview. I noticed when the Governor was here that he was anxious for it but he is too sensible to be toublesome in pressing for it if he sees it is not desired. There is not much local news. Gisborne and Co. left this morning for Wellington overland having got all the information they wanted. Grey scored one when he said the information they wanted could have been supplied as easily as well and at less cost by post. In Native matters there is nothing very new. Russell and Sheehan have not as yet succeeded in getting the Natives to come to Town to execute the Te Aute deeds and I doubt if they will. That old scoundrel Hapuku is giving them trouble I believe. I knew that H. R. complains of his ingratitude. Of course the old wretch now he can get no more out of H.R. is ready to turn against him. The party of Natives in favour of forcing Russell to render accounts of moneys received by the Repudiation Office is increasing and I think we shall manage presently to get the matter with the Supreme Court if that can be done we shall smash them up. In my late interview with Henare Matua, He said Russell was different to Sutton and Marvey inasmuch as there are no grog scores. There is a row on in the R.M. Court - a drunken set out at Te Aute between Hapuku's son Watene and some Europeans. It comes on Monday and the Hotel-keeper is going to produce a lot of orders from Russell for grog for Natives which are charged against land. On the whole it is pretty hot for the Repudiation Office and Sheehan I hear is getting frightened and wants to get out of it. Now I must close. Yours always. J.D. Ormond.