put him down with the strong hand. It is terrible to have these officious mischief makers to deal with in addition to the actual difficulties that have to be met. About supplies I led McDonnell to hope he wd. find some at or near Matamata please do what you can to have them there in case of necessity. We shall look anxiously for the next news from you McDonnell's force is clean away out of my reach now and will be I trust in communication with you -- If they succeed send back to Taupo the Constabulary part of the force as I want them for road works protecting Telegraph etc. and will use them if I get the chance. McDonnell if he works out to you need not be sent back as he wants to attend to his own concerns. There is no provincial news everything is quiet and going on right. Mr. Burton of Wairoa was at me today -- he wants to know what you wish done with some sheep of yours that were running with. Lockwood he has made you some offer about keeping them to which he wants a reply. The Commander of the Virago very nearly got into a mess the other day and quoted you as the authority for the mischief on her arrival she steamed up to the Govt, moorings