Wanganui 15th March 1872 My dear Knowles, I have sent you a batch of letters by this mail I am not aware whether it is the custom to open officials marked , but if it is not I think you had better open the one addressed to the Hon.J.D. as the was only intended by me in case there was no actual necessity for recording it as a public document, and there might be in the letter which ministers might wish to see, but you will of course know best what to do than I to tell you. I hope I may get a reply soon as I cannot keep the natives waiting. long. I have written you an official about my travelling expenses. I am out of pocket considerably at present, and cannot afford it, and my trip to Murimotu altogether was expensive besides clothing lost in crossing the Wangaihu in the bush. So try pray to pass the vouchers and obtain an authority if you can for the future. Mr.Buller informed me that my associate Mr.Booth or the person the Govt. have thought fit to associate me with, told him that nothing would be done at the meeting at Murimotu this time, as he had sent up private instructions to the natives to hinder the business, and put it off till he could go up with Kemp, comment is needless here, and I hope the suggestion I make to Mr. Ormond may meet with that Minister's approval. I by no means intended this as to Mr.Ormond and he can if he wishes make enquiries as far as I am concerned I care not. Yours very sincerely Tho s. McDonnell