the loss of their lands must be at the bottom of it. There is nothing much in it at present still it is one of those things that want watching. Henare Tomoana was here just now he wished me to tell you that Whitmore and Russell had asked him three separate times to complain to the Assembly about the pay awarded his people for Taupo services and that when he replied that He and I were agreed about it. They told him they did not care so much to get at me they wanted to have a handle against you, and promised to secure him fully daily pay from the Assembly if he gave them his case. Henare would give evidence of this if wanted. I must stop mail closing. Please send me all news by Telegraph Yours always, J. D. Ormond