Rissington 20 Feb. 1867 My dear McLean - I have gone for ten days up the Coast. From all I can learn Wairoa is doing well and going on quietly though languishing for your visit and the feast Withers will wait upon you with various documents about calling out the Militia for practice - (not bread and butters of course) - The Govt. say I have the power and tell me to do it, but as you are the Governors Deputy here, and by the Act he or his Deputy must call first on me to do it, I have abstained from any action till you arrive and call on me in the usual way. I had some idea of standing for the Prov. Council and believe I have a majority for my District - but if I can get in Anderson and represent Wairoa myself we shall gain a vote and I may be able to do something for Wairoa. Is there any chance of an opposition to Stafford I wonder. Te Heu Heu and Paora Matenga came here and stopped a night with their followers. I fed the lot and entertained the Chiefs at which they were much delighted and asked me to visit them at Taupo. Probably I may meet you at Wairoa on my return but if not shall be home to the races. Believe me Yours very truly G.S. Whitmore