Wellington Nov. 27, 1874 My dear Sir Donald In the matter of Te Kooro and Hoani Meehana's obstruction - I think that they have the law on their side. There is no doubt that the reason they asked you the reserves at the outlet of the two lagoons was for eel fishing - and if by draining the lagoons the purpose for which the Reserves were made is destroyed I believe that by moving an injunction in the Supreme Court Douglass and Co. could be prevented from draining As soon as Te Kooro and Hoani Meehana answer my letters I shall raise the question with a view of getting the Attorney Generals opinion - It is a great pity the natives have not some one to advise them in the matter. It would never do for a Government officer and especially for one of this wretched Native Department to tender such advice - It would be directly stated that we were opposing the opening up of the country. I saw a very stupid article in the Weekly News (Southern Cross) about moving the Native Land Court down to Wellington. Of course (and I know it is so) the article has been written at Fentons instigation - It is a pity that there is no one to tell them that the rumour is absolutely false - we do not want to move the Native Land Court away from Auckland. But what we do want is to move the administrative part of its machinery where it ought to be headquarters they will have Munro All that will be wanted here will be the Chief Judge and one or two clerks with the Survey Dept. I wish papers would write about what they know - And not write nonsense which I submit the Article which appeared in last weeks "Weekly News" is - I see by this mornings paper that Sir James Fergusson has been ordered away before the New Governor arrives - What does it mean? The Governors family left on Tuesday last with a splendid breeze and a most enjoyable day - they must have been out of sight of land before noon. Young goes back to help Booth with his purchases, and look after the Manawatu obstruction - Mainwaring has been ordered to look after the telegraph between Paekakariki and Manawatu - the line is being moved inland and unless one of our people are with them difficulties are sure to arise - Mr Lemon!! suggested the arrangement - Oh! this wretched native Department. They know when to come to help them out of their difficulties - and then abuse them roundly afterwards. Cap.Heale goes up to Auckland by todays Steamer - I think he is thoroughly determined to push on the Surveys and to have them done well - I hope you are enjoying the fine weather in the North - It is changable here - but a splendid day today - I should as soon as it can be done like to get an airing soon - I have been rather seedy the past week my head is all adrift - In about a month if I could get to Tauranga to go into those outstanding land matters - the change would set me up and I shd. do a good deal of good - Very faithfully yours Hy.T.Clarke