Turanga Poverty Bay, 25 August, 1865. Donald McLean, Esq., Napier. My dear Sir, The Jennett leaving for your Port gives me an opportunity to drop a line. 1st. I understand the above vessel is expected to bring a large supply of spirits on her return for the natives here. Do put a stop to the spirit trade on this coast, if you possibly can, drunkenass is on the increase amongst the natives here, and a collision in consequence may occur at any moment, indeed I am informed such would have been the case on Monday last between a Hau Hau and a Kawenatanga had not other natives who were sober interfered. Further a native from East Cape named Pairau (I think) was beset by some intoxicated Hau haus at Makaraka on Monday last and would have been killed had not Lazarous (Rukopo) and others prevented it. I hear they had great trouble in saving the man. I wrote a short note to your Collector which I have enclosed to the Postmaster fearing it might not be delivered should the Natives know to whom it was addressed. William King and some nine or tan others left yesterday en route for Tokomaru, armed of course. I have heard a reportHirine te Kaui has gone with them to keep the peace. I will not vouch for its correctness, but if true that gentleman is playing a double game. He had returned from te Mawai - on Saturday last, and was with King and his people on Sunday and Monday, to tell them (his brothersaid). that they must not pass Turanganui. If he has now gone to Arahi then it looks badly. I think the Pai Marire are finding that they are not altogether invulnerable. They admit they have been driven from their. Pa's at East Cape and Tokomaru. Still they are defy'ant land Pote all they can. Some of our settlers are rampant on having a Block House at Turaaganui. I should mush like to see one if properly manned, but I think our better policy is just now the "wait awhile one if we can keep clear for a few weeks and matters still prosper with Morgan we may rub through, at any rate we shall be in (perhaps) a better position. Let us keep the peace here as long as possible. Every fresh success I imagine will be strength to our side and weaken our opponents. I am glad to say Tamehana Ruapapu, Rutene and their party have not wavered. Paratene Pototi speaks in high terms of his treatment at Napier. I think his trip has not done any harm. Very faithfully, J.W. Harris.