Auckland 3 January 1867 My dear McLean The "Sturt" leaves today, and will call at all our posts on her way down, and will take you a 24 pd Howitzer 2 small Mortars and supply of shot and shell, besides Tents for Fraser's men - I had to make another visit to the Bay of Plenty, which occupied me ten days, and has detained the "Sturt" accordingly - I found the Natives very submissive and anxious for Peace, and ready to yield up such tracts of land as we have required from them - and there is no doubt that the affair at Omaranui has had a wholesome effect on them, and on the Uriweras - We had a great deal of rain which I hope extended as far South as Napier, and abundantly watered your pastures - I expect to leave for Wellington by the Steamer of the 13 - which goes your way - so I shall hope to see you. I am afraid we must lay up the Sturt for extensive repairs, and use the St. Kilda instead - the wreck of the "Pioneer" was a great misfortune as we had determined to put the "Sturt's" engines into her. I hope Wm. Thompsons death will not interrupt our peaceful relations with his people - I am sorry to say that Waata Kukutai is very ill. Yours very truly T. M. Haultain