Alexandra March 22nd 1876 My dear Sir, I write a few lines hurriedly to give an idea of what Rex's views are as to a final settlement. At Te Kauri I found Davis the half caste. He appears to be living with Rex and Te Ngakau at Hikurangi, and acts as a kind of reference to Te Ngakau & others. He soon told me that Rex was very anxious for a meeting with the Governor as he had impressed upon him that it would be best to go to the fountain head, the more so as he would not get much out of you. Davis says he knows - that he has learnt from Government officials exactly what your proposals will be to Rex when you meet him - that they can do better with G. Grey than with you. I replied well then you have made it purely an L.s.d. consideration, whoever bids highest is to be the man according to you. Davis said Yes, why shouldn't they make the best bargain possible, it is human nature. The Government have treated me very badly, and seem determined to pay them off. I gave Sir Donald two hours of my mind at the Thames last year. Sir Donald could have arranged every thing long ago if he had desired. Tawhiao went to Hikurangi to give him an opportunity of meeting him there. Why cant the Governor come to Kuiti. Davis said a good deal in this strain. I said all I know is that if any Government officer or officers told you what Sir Donald's views were as to the final settlement they told you what was false, for I am quite certain Sir Donald does not confide his ideas etc. to every clerk etc. - upon this you may rely. I think it would be a good thing for both races if several meddlesome people who are always dabbling in native matters when really it does not concern them were to discontinue doing so for the future - by pursuing this course they are serving .'' I learnt from Davis that Waikato demand was nothing - money could settle that - that as soon as you had made arrangements laws would be made & adhered to. The detention of Winiata was merely temporary, when the laws were made he would be handed up (I expect to be pardoned). That Rex was anxious to come to terms, that he would not fight unless compelled, that he had a great deal to contend with in the way of opposition - as soon as he gets one chief into his way of thinking another springs up. The demand will be left bank of Waipa to Ngaruawahia then left bank of Waikato to mouth, then along Coast - I am sure of this - also money consideration. Takerei I hear has invited Sir G. Grey to visit them - but Davis acknowledged that Rex had not written to that gentleman but at the same time he would be invited to meet them verbally I presume. It is dasy to see Davis will endeavour all he can to prevent you from your doing much with Rex. Tawhia Takerei's name can easily pass for Tawhiao, and I have no doubt has been used to make people believe that the letters came from Rex. I am Sir Yours very faithfully R.J. BUSH Hon. Sir D. McLean K.C.M.G. WELLINGTON