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English (ATL)

Tauranga

Sept. 13th 1870



Dear Sir,

I write to inform you that I arrived here on the 11th Inst. 3 p.m. after a passage of four days from Auckland making 11 days from Napier. I was just 6 hours too late to come here by the Ashley. I leave here with Mr. Clarke midday today for Maketu from thence to Rotorua to endeavour to arrange the Telegraph line which the natives have of late been obstructing - On an interview I had yesterday with Mr. Clarke yesterday I learnt that there was no such thing as getting a house at Maketu either by lease or otherwise - the house formerly occupied by the late R. M. of that District belong to the Church Mission and is now inhabited by Mr. Spenser - Consequently no chance at the present time of getting my family up here - Mr. Clarke recommended me to request the Hon. the Native Minister to erect a house on the Govt. land at Maketu, or to assist in doing so, which he has kindly offered to support - Should the Govt. decline building a house I only see but the one alternative and that is to decline accepting the situation, as it useless my making a secret of it. I am not in a position in the way of funds to build - In all other respects from what I can see and learn of the place I shall get on very well. Every one here who knows me hope and trust that I will stay and be permanently resident forthwith so also Mr. Clarke -

I should like after going round the District to have some little time tomyself but I expect I shall have to give that idea up. I certainly shall not leave here until I get matters decided about the house as I can only then make up my mind fully as to whether or not I take the situation - I have not yet learnt what the salary in connection is - but from what I have been told is somewhat under my old salary at Napier - What I have mentioned above is of course purely private at the same time in a private way make use of it if you think necessary.

At a late sitting of the Native Lands Court at Ohinemutu the Natives told the Judge Mr. Mackey to go home they were not going to allow their lands to Judged by him consequently they returned to their respective home you will see a full account in the papers on the matter. Nothing more to communicate at present.


Yours very sincerely
F. E. Hamlin
J.D. Ormond Esq.