Westoe, Marton 16.1.74 My Dear McLean When I wrote a few days ago I had not received your kind note from Otaki in which your offer to assist our movements in the course of our Lake travels. We shall be most happy to avail ourselves of your kindness as far as may be necessary, and it will no doubt be very convenient if we can have a little assistance now and then either from the Constabulary depot at Taupo or from Natives at the points we shall visit. We propose riding through (Mrs.F., my nephew, and self) to Napier. The other possible tracks are too rough for a lady -- Thence ride to Tapahaeraru -- thence to Rotomahana and Rotorua and Tarawhera -- I dont suppose we shall go through to Tauranga -- but if we do shall probably sell our horses and return by sea -- but if not tired of it, would prefer returning by land. On this plan I beleive we shall find accommodation every night except perhaps in some of our excursions about Taupo, when it might be a convenience if we could borrow a tent and perhaps a pack horse. If you would therefore kindly give me an authority to avail myself of such assistance occasionally you may rely upon it I will not unduly abuse my privileges. I hear Halcombe got his people through to Orowa on the Tuesday, but I have not seen him since we heard particulars. I am glad to hear you are getting the Horowhenua dispute settled Hunea is in a "mortal funk", and has retained Cash the lawyer at £100 fee and expects his witnesses to cost himself as much more. I hope however the Ngatiraukawa's will get their share of the physic. They have been the principal obstructors on this Coast hitherto, while Hunea's bounce has not done any real harm unless in this case. As you know he is nobody without Kemp, and the latter I suppose won't encourage him. I have heard nothing more of McDonalds doings so presume he is quiet for the present. Your tele. to me stating that the Horowhenua dispute "had been arranged" arrived opportunely. The natives had got one which they understood to mean that "the fighting had been arranged", that is arranged to begin, and there was great excitement and a lot of them were going to start off for the field of action. I just saw Ward in time to stop it. I am glad to see that Vogels banquet went off well. The Governor seems acting a judicious and sensible part in his travels and will create a favorable sentiment in his favour. Yours very faithfully William Fox. Mrs. Fox desires her thanks for your kind defers and still hopes to see you here before we start which will be about the 1st week in Feb. I think.