Waiapu March 25th./67 My dear McLean, Although there is not much doing here to write to you about I cannot allow George to return without at least letting you know how we are getting on. My last letter was in answer to yours of Dec. 3rd. undeceiving you of your impression that I had advised the withdrawal from this Coast of either men or ammunition - as on the contrary I considered the retaining of both most necessary at the time and even recommended to the Govt. an increase of the force. All is going on quietly here, Morgan is busy building a new Pa which he has intended doing for some time back. The old fellow feels the loss of his two sons very much. He continues stauch on the confiscation point but there are some others who when the time comes will be prepared to put forward claims and make all sorts of proposals for the purpose of keeping hold of as much land Hau Hau or otherwise as they possibly can. I do not suppose that the representatives of the Church party Mohi and Raniera will be found very zealous upholders of confiscation. All the Chiefs however appear to be anxious for it - but the long delay will prove most fatal as far as the facilities of settling the matter are concerned. We have not had a mail here for the last six weeks so that we are in complete ignorance of all that is going on whether you are again Superintendent or whether the elections have yet come off. You are a very shabby correspondent - I have written you at least a dozen long letters since I came here and you have only favoured me with two - I can only come to the uncharitable conclusion that you are forgetting your old friend or the more charitable one that you are in love. I was away for a month at Turanga and found plenty to do on the Coast. It is surprising the number of differences one has to settle apart from Court business - I have also been obliged to do doctor - knowing something of medicine I have been able to afford a good deal of relief in travelling about, I generally carry a supply of medicines as I am sure to find lots of sickness. I enjoy the work very much and like the Natives who really on the whole are a fine lot and treat me and my decisions with the greatest respect. I am waiting patiently till Govt. can give me some assistance both with my house and Court room, office etc. at present I am obliged to use a small room I have built about 10 £ 12 ft. as Court room, office etc. and with sometimes as many as 50 people in attendance I can only give admission to three or four at a time. I am terribly in want of means of communication with vessels. The boat which was built for the R.M. was used up by the forces, and I am obliged to pay not only for boat but also 5/ per man, and every mail brought by land cost me £1 - but I am afraid to ask the Govt. in the present pinch. Still its a great drag upon me. Shall we ever see you as far as this - how much I should enjoy a long chat with you again. I hear that Hawkes Bay has not been as well grassed for some years as it is this, which must be a great relief to you all in the sheep line - what a sad sight it was to see the 1300 sheep off the Star of the Evening all in one mass on the beach and such a stench. The wife and little ones all send their love. Goodbye My dear McLean, Ever yours, J. H. Campbell.