Chatham Islands April 28.73 My dear Sir I have nothing of consequence to write about but I thought you would like to hear from me nevertheless. I sent in a report of a meeting I held here about the Moriori reserves. I fancy they are only trying on the old scheme of repudiation in a small way, certainly they had not a leg to stand upon, even on their own showing. They seem to be a harmless set of individuals, and it appears a most wonderful thing to me how the settlers here could have ever got into the state of panic they were in, in La Nauzes time, who bye the way seems to have bungled the whole affai in a most mysterious way. I have made arrangments with a Moriori here to furnish me with every information respecting the language and shall commence at it as soon as I have taken a trip round the Island. This place is fearfully dull as you may imagine but as I shall have plenty to employ my time I do not so much care for that. The Settlers here are getting subscriptions towards a mail subsidy and have sent in a petition by Mr. Chudliegh, I sincerely trust they may be successfull, for it is dreadful to have to wait as they generally do in the winter time, for six or seven months without seeing a vessel here from Mew Zealand. I hope if it lies in your power you will lend a helping hand. As I have really nothing to say that would interest you I will conclude. Believe me to be Sir Yours very truly S. Deighton. To:-- The Honble. D. McLean Wellington