Wallingford Novr. 14th./66 My dear McLean La serre arrived here last night with the notice about the Militia meeting. I fear from the way in which the Companies are called to assemble - I mean fm the few meeting places - that the object sought for, viz. to obtain a fair idea of the strength of the District will not be obtained. Under the present law no Militiaman can be called upon to march more than 5 miles to his drill ground so that in the case of most of the Country districts, no muster of the Militiamen will take place as the majority of the Company will be exempt. I took upon myself to alter the Gazette notice in this District and named Wallingford Bridge Wednesday and Thursday 21st. and 22nd. as days for meeting etc. - this will obviate the difficulty a good deal so far as this District is concerned - if I had not done this not nearly one half of the Company wd. have been liable or wd. have gone to the Meeting place. Who prepared the notice, do they not know that five miles is the distance a Militiaman can be taken for Inspection or Training. I have advised Capt. Hunter to endeavour to get a air enrolment of the men and when he has enrolled them not to trouble about the second day at all - but just to hold a nominal parade the second day for the purpose of enrolling those who may not get there the first day - so much for the Militia. The news from the Wairarapa is no more than you have I expect by way of Natives - Wi Hape and men have gone back to the West Coast by way of the Bush road. The Wairarapa Hau Haus have written to Henare Matua declaring they have abandoned all idea of coming to this District. I send Henare's last letter - as this takes away the necessity of keeping the orderly here, I shall send him back to you probably tomorrow - altho' I may perhaps have to keep him a day to serve notices to different stations about the Militia meeting most of the settlers I have sent intimation to, in order that we may get a fair muster. I enclose you a short note I received by todays mail from Grey there is nothing much in it. The Taupo and Auckland news is vague I think so far, of course the Waikato Hau Haus may come to Heretaunga, but they are just as likely to go to Tauranga or to fight in the Waikato. Of course it is well to be prepared but I trust we shall have no more fighting here. That the remnant of Ngatihineuru will at some time or other come down on the outsettlers on the N.E. frontier and is a measure avenge the loss of their people is in my opinion almost certain/and such men as Amaru Matete and Paora Toki are just the ones to keep such a purpose in view. But there is no help for that. Altogether things do not look so hopeful in this Island as they did a few months ago - that we shall have another fight for it is certain and the only sensible policy wd. be to engage our allies to do the most of the work for us. But what our rotten Govt. will do goodness only knows. Have you asked Grey foo Troops he might give us part of a Regiment for a few months until things look more secure. I have no other news. Rhodes was here today on his way to buy some Wethers from St. Hill. La Terre will be back tomorrow +I expect from Akitio. It is late. Always Yours sincerely J.D. Ormond.