10/65 Friday afternoon. My dear McLean, I write just a line to tell you that the refunds to us may not go by this mail but that they are sure to do so by the next. I am promised this absolutely - so that you can make arrangements accordingly. I think the chances of dissolution are almost a certainty - Weld has just announced the Govt's intention to take Stafford's Finance Resolution as a want of "Confidence" motion and I hear on all hands that Staffords Motion will be carried. If this be so I shall be back by the Ashley on the 26th. If you can get away come down even on chance of the dissolution. There are a number of things to see to. You can get back in the Ashley in time for the Pro. Council. Yours always, J. D. Ormond If you don't come be sure and write Grey for a Detachment of Troops for Wairoa. Dont send any men to Turanga if you do, you will injure my chances of getting a portion of the Opotiki expedition for these. Lend all the men you can spare to re-enforce the Waiapu force and tell them to take Pukamaire. It is nonsense to say any place is impregnable. Let them do like their ancestors did in the old times take it by stratagem and bravery conjoined. Yours always, J. D. Ormond