Wellington Mch 23/65 My dear Ormond I am so busy that I can hardly find time to thank you for your most interesting letter about affairs of Hawkes Bay. You will know from McLean our views so I wont write at length I thought that by getting him to return and making him agent for the Genl. Govt. we did the best thing we could have done. I am sorry to say we are short of arms but will send them as fast as we can we send some and a steamer Thank McLean for his letters the officials will answer I hope satisfactorily all his wants. Yrs. very faithfully Fred. A. Weld. P.S. Mantell says that the intention of his present action under the Lands Act is simply to ascertain practically the best mode and forms for working it and those once ascertained he will be able more confidently immediately to appoint some one to set it going in Hawkes Bay. Fenton is organizing the department as fast as possible. Yrs. F.A.W.