Auckland Jan. 22/65 My Lord, I tried hard to reach Te Kawakawa in time for the Synod but I could not accomplish it. I went on board the Tauranga here 2 days before Xmas. On my arrival at Tauranga I found that not only at Te Matata was a "Rati" but also at Ohiwa and to get an opportunity for the Coast beyond this place I had to wait at Tauranga 12 days. I was landed at the Roha on the 7th of Jany. As I felt sure the Synod would be over before I could get to the Kawakawa I went to Opotiki instead. The people show no inclination to fight again neither at Opotiki nor any where else in the district at Opotiki nor any where else in the district at Opotiki they are much subdued, through the fever. You know I suppose that the three ringleaders of the disturbance at Opotiki Pohipi Hroi Te Tamaki and Te Whakatotari are dead. The people cannot get over the murder of the Aporotongo and blame Govt. for not punishing the person who committed the crime while they demand from the Maoris to give up those who murdered Europeans. The worst is that none of the calamities which befall them bade them to the source where wisdom, help, peace and rest along is to be found. I cannot get them to reflect on what has befallen them during the passed years and they exhibit great carelessness about the future while the word of God seems to make little if any impression upon their hearts. They are always very particular not to touch anything that belongs to me while I am from home and on coming home they always received (me) kindly. The fighting has now begun again at Whanganui when shall we see the end of it or rather theone much desired result. The Paimariri has not been introduced to the East of Tauranga. If a collection was made at the Synod for the Melena Mission. I beg you to put £5 for me. I shall pay it in the Bank to your credit with the subscription for the South American Mission. It is worthy of note that when the Pai Natives stated that the ateua demanded the life of one of the two clergymen, that the Opotiki natives asked for the life of the stranger pakeha Mr. Grace and tospare their own pakeha. Recd. from Mr. Volkner being the last letter he wrote. To: Bishop Williams