Napier May 6th 1872 My dear McLean I have a lot to do tonight to prepare for starting for Wellington tomorrow morning early - I wrote you a day or two ago by the Rangitira so have not a great deal to say this time - I enclose you Locke's telegrams from Waipukerau they will tell you what kind of game those scoundrels the Russells are playing - Locke is back to-night - He has not done much the fighting such fellows as the Russells takes more go than he has in him - still he has done and will do his best. The satisfaction with him is, that he is loyal and will do all he can - The stories he tells me of what is going on inland - and the shameful way in which the Russells are inciting the natives to mischief are shocking to listen to - Henry Russell I shd. think is going mad - he spends half his time now on the road or in Maori Pahs and repudiation is the theme from one end of the Province to the other - I hear my Epriama leases are to be attacked next - on the ground that one woman and one minor signed - Really whether I am injured or not I shall be glad to get away from the disgusting annoyance of having daily such matters to attend to - I fear your purchases will be forced into Court also - The men are mad and will hesitate at nothing the spirit of revenge is at the bottom of all they do and has no limit - I cant express to you the utter weariness and disgust I feel at having to meet such attacks - my work has been pretty severe lately and this annoyance at the back of it is very trying - Thank God I shall be out of the reach of these daily vexations whilst I am at Wellington. I do not know I can do anything in your matters before leaving I saw Kinross today and fully advised him as to the course to take - the enemy attack him as viciously as they do you or I - There are one or two other matters I must write about - This morning Buchanan came to me and made an unexpected request- It was that you and I shd. get him a seat in the Legislative Council I told him there were difficulties, and his reply was it was worth our while to kep him - He said his brother had considerable influence which could be exerted in our favour - and wd. be if his request was granted and requested me to see his brother at Wellington. He also hinted he might be troublesome if he liked both to me as Superintendent and to you in case of an Election - But added he wd. work for us if we wd. give him the chance he asked of appearing in the political arena - At first I was staggered - but since I have thought it over I dont see any great difficulty in it. The man is well connected - has filled responsible positions in Australia and has considerable ability - his weakness is want of self-command - He wd. compare very favourably with many present Members of the L.C. House and we could I think depend upon him. Let me have what you think. I am inclined to do it - I will sound the brother - it is astonishing the power these Banks influence - and the direct influence they exert. Another thing I was troubled with today was 'Steadman' the solicitor here coming to me he first sent Tanner to whom he had shown an account 'Hart and Buckley' have very foolishly sent him - in which charges are made for consultation with Hon.Donald McLean and J.D.Ormond -re H.B.Herald libel case - I will enquire from Buckley what this means when I get to Wellington meanwhile Steadman has the account which ought not to appear and asks his brother be admitted as Private into the A. C. I have asked about him. He is a fine young fellow about 6 ft. 2 in. and steady - so no harm will be done. You might authorise his admission - I havent time for more - As soon as I can get done with Brogden I must return here and meet the Prov.Council and after that prepare for Assembly. You have your hands full I know with Waikato - you shall hear from me regularly from Wellington. Yours always J.D. Ormond