as at present managed is an anomaly -- The Chief of the Police is trying to get them all into his own hands -- The men are employed on service he is certainly not qualified to direct -- for he is not the man for instance to send to do McDonnells work if for nothing else than that he does not understand and under-rates Natives -- and so the whole concern is being pulled first this way and then that -- I see the mischief that is being done and think it a very serious matter -- About McDonnell wishing to give up the Taupo command, he does not wish to do so until Te Kooti's business is settled -- all he has said to me has been let me go as soon as the work here is done. Roberts the man I have here in command is a very good man I think but I have had no chance yet of judging what he is under difficulties -- he is in great dismay at the state the force is getting into. I do not think of anything else to write about. Has nothing turned up for Green I shd. be glad if you could provide for him, there is only work for one man between my two offices and I detest idle people about me. Locke is at Taupo and will remain there for the present. I must now close and I find the mail is about closing. Always, Yours very truly, J. D. Ormond.