Auckland Jan. 8th 1871 My dear McLean, The Nebraska arrived this morning when she was beginning to be given up by everybody - the delay was however caused by an accident in the Railway line - Vogel goes by her with Webb to Sydney leaving tonight. He and I have got on very well together there has been no attempt at interference with my work - indeed nothing has been done except to start the work on the Waikato Railway which I have done myself- All the various questions we discussed at Wellington have yet to be dealt with and will occupy me some little time - so far as I can judge however many of them will not be as difficult as was expected. I have got on very well with Gillies so far but of course know exactly what to expect from him - I go north on Thursday to settle about Kawakawa and Northern Roads and shall see Marsden Clarke and make up my mind whether he will do for the work. The Tauranga Road Engineer is here and I find it was high time public works in that district were looked after - no end of dray roads were being commenced to places where there is not the most remote chance in our life-times of a dray going. What I have ascertained makes me very anxious to visit other districts as soon as possible - I think Turner is a good man but he never considered it was part of his duty to see that the Road opened Country worth opening -There is some trouble in arranging with Tuhourangi for the portion of the Tauranga to Taupo Road running through their district Hamlin can do nothing with them and I have referred the matter to Clarke - Kelly writes from Taranaki that Titokowaru is returning to the coast and begging something may be settled as regards him - I do not see that much can be done untilyou go up there yourself - No doubt it is ticklish subject - A large party go north with me consisting of Brogden and his staff - Gillies - Sheehan - Whittaker and others - it is a pity the Luna was wanted for the Governor I could have visited places at the northwhich I cannot do now and also could have gone to Tauranga with Brogden who might have arranged to settle some of the land there as Fielding has done in case of - he does not care to go in the style of steamer that trades to Taruanga - I think everything here is going on as well as can be expected there is lots of trouble providing for our supporters - that man Farnall has to be got rid of - J. Williamson something done for and so on - that kind of thing is the curse of Govt. - What have you done with John Hall I shall be glad to hear how you get on with him - I have written Gisborne about things in general but it is all very hurried Vogel leaving gives no end of things to think about and settle - Hoping to hear from you soon I must close this. Always Yours very sincerely J. D. Ormond I expect to be here till near end of present month and then West Coast. Say when you write about assisting 'Herald Hawkes Bay' and how much. J.D.O.