Dear McLean, I send this on for you to read. Yours, J.D.O. Te Wairoa Novr. 29th, 1867 My dear John, You will have heard that some 30 men of the old Military Settlers have now joined the new Constabulary Force under Fraser - the men left at the Township some 60 in number are in a state of uncertainty as to the policy of remaining on their Land or not - and in the event of no Government work being given then, I believe that the greater portion of them will leave their Land as soon as they can obtain the back pay owing to them. Some, who have large Families, will remain, and live on their Ration money, but the single men will not. Most of the men are now living at the new Township on their Town Acre Sections, simply because the Rural land is in most cases inaccessible either for drays or packing. The Country Land is laid out on the banks of two large Rivers which unite at the Township and has a bridle track already through it but far too rough for carrying a load. I am writing to you on this subject because I have been pressed by the men to move in the matter, and I shall probably have to preside at a meeting on Tuesday next - the resolutions of which will be duly submitted to the Superintendent. The said Roads would not prove expensive, if judiciously worked, a very few sidings, and either Bridges over a few Creeks or cuttings up the sides of them being necessary - The Road is through a series of flats on the banks of the Rivers, and ap either some 12 to 15 miles. The men also expect pay while building a Redoubt, which is I believe always allowed. I have simply told them in respect to the Roads my own impression viz: that they will probably be expected as Residents to contribute one half towards the expenses, which of course amounts to working for half wages for they have no money. I would also suggest piece work as the cheapest for some of the men as Tailors, Cobblers etc. prove but indifferent navvies - The close proximity of Waikare Moana Lake to some of the sections, the reputed stronghold of hostile natives of course deters the men from spreading out until communication is made easier - I do not of course know the policy of Govt. as to this Place, but I feel assured that the exodus of the young men will have a most injurious effect, and that a little encouragement will keep the bulk of them to gether. In great haste to save post Ever yours affectly. Fredk. F. Ormond