Napier Sep. 14 1866 Donald McLean Esq. Wellington My dear Sir I find I have an opportunity today by the "Sturt" of writing earlier than the usual mail day, and Tareha has been with me these 2 hours and is so yet - if anything new turns up from him I shall find out in a few minutes - with luck and patience - Panapa of Tarawera is down at Petene and Rangihiroa and Paura Toki - Panapa is the head man and states that he and the rest have come in on account of a letter written by you to them asking them to do so - They have come down to Petene thinking you were back - Tareha has just gone and has given me no information I did not know beforehand, save there are two reports that Anaru Matete and his men have gone to Waikato - He "Tareha" does not believe this, but fancies they are hiding somewhere near at hand - He says he is sure they were at Titiokura when I advised you last, but knows not where they are now - I had a letter from Tareha yesterday which I enclose with the answer returned to him by me - To day he asked me point blank to send food to the enemy at Petane and stated they would do so themselves, but they were hard up for money and supplies of food - I told him that I could give no food until the arms were given up and due submission made - Tareha wound up as usual with begging for arms etc. - which of course I refused - telling him there was no necessity for it, as the Hau haus were desirous of submitting, and in any case the Europeans were not alarmed but could protect themselves if necessary - Then follows the last request that I will give him a trooper's belt box and ornaments which I promise, if such a thing is in store - Next at the last moment in a whisper that I will write to you that he wants more arms etc. - and that you will bring him some when you return - Both parties are at me every alternate day, for arms, powder, caps etc., and persevere wonderfully - I dare say they think I am rather verdant after giving them 10 stand each on the first alarm, which I believe was quite unnecessary, but could not then see - To sum up all information on Maorie matters according to Tareha and my own judgement - the people at Titiokura are getting tired of being hungry and are seriously thinking of peace - Rumour says that the Wairoa natives are building a Pah and erecting a hau hau pole, but I have no official intimation thereof - I suppose we shall be erecting poles etc. for a good many years yet, but I imagine a warrant will be able to run ere long all up the coast when a few more of the ring leaders are removed. I must close this hastily as time is up - Council is called for 25th according to your wishes conveyed to me by Ormond - Locke I have induced to come forward instead of Bucannon - and the Estimates are ready prepared as far as possible - I suppose if there is not much doing you may come on the 15 at the furthest both of you on the 23rd. Hope you have got the annexation business through but doubt it - Preece or Rice is trying to lease lands in all directions at Poverty. Yours always Joseph Rhodes