Wellington 1st November 1866 My dear McLean I have been prevented starting for Napier by this steamer, and shall probably have to wait for the next, unless the "Sturt" returns sooner from Wanganui --- I was anxious to have consulted further with you about the location of the Military Settlers, some of whom might I think be now settled at Titiokura instead of Wairoa. At all events there should be no further delay about surveys at the latter place, and I shall be glad if you will arrange with the Natives and send Surveyors there --- I have not time to write more formally as I expected to have arranged this with you viva voce --- I think you are aware that all correspondence connected with the survey of Military settlements is now conducted by the Defence Office. Our Native intelligence is not satisfactory, but we trust that you anticipated some of their evil designs, and will have intimidated other hostile parties --- The Governor will have an available Force of 750 men on the West Coast, including 250 Regulars. Yours very truly T. M. Haultain You name as unsatisfactory Rifles etc. being lodged at Public Houses --- I find in enquiry that nearly all the arms in this District (Porangahau) are at the Public Houses. Surely this is very wrong.