Napier December 2nd 1875 My dear McLean, I have only just heard that the Rangatira's mail closes almost directly so can only write a few lines. I am glad to see you will be here shortly. Every thing is right I think but the Candidates for Napier are numerous and are all canvassing. Your coming here will enable a Committee to be formed to work for your Election and you will be able to see people yourself. Last night we had by wire the decision of the Court of Appeal in Mangateretere. It is very bad news for this District. No end of properties are in the same position as Sutton's case. Among others I hear - Mangateretere East Nelsons Awa te atua Watt and Farmer, Teka Peka No. 1 & 2. Raukawa, Hakirawa and others the names of which I forget. - the worst of it is the encouragement the decision will give to the natives to continue their repudiation attempts. In Sutton's case I believe it is absolute ruin to him. Watt and Farmer paid Coleman near £40,000 for that Block. Altogether the interests involved are very large and I fear also numerous. For instance I hear Mr. Hutchinson a little man who was settled at Puketapu and now lives in Napier had lent Sutton £5,000 on Mangateretere but I suppose that is gone. There are plenty other similar cases I fear. There will of course be an appeal against the decision and it will be taken to the Privy Council if necessary. We have not yet seen the judgment in full only telegrams. We have had more wet than we want lately and it has checked shearing operations. The weather seems now more settled - the country looks splendid everywhere. Election matters do not look over well at Auckland and Dunedin the sooner the Govt. platform is announced the better - I hear from Wellington that Pearce and Hunter are likely to win and I hope they will make the Govt. platform attractive Property tax you must have and Departmental expenditure must be reduced. I must close. Yours always, J. D. Ormond