Wellington 24th. June 1863. My dear Sir, I was very glad to find from your letter to Mr. Strang that you do not consider the attitude of the Natives in your province, since the news from Taranaki to be of an unsatisfactory nature. I think, however, you are very right to take those precautions which are after all the best guarantees for the quietness of your neighbours. In this part of the country, notwithstanding the certainty that the Wanganui Natives are only biding their time", it deems to be the determination of the authorities that for fear of making the Natives suspicious and unquiet, no precautions are to be taken, but we are by pur pusillanimous fear of exciting the Maoris by organization and preparation actually to invite them to come upon us in their day of excitement, as a tempting and easy prey. If at such a time as this the fears of individual outsettlers are to be allowed to paralize the whole community, the sacrifice will not end with the property of the out settlers. It is strange that in this place where there is not political opposition, and a party has all its own way, there should be no person ready to stand out to rally the people - none whom they would care to follow. I hope indeed that the really timid party will be able to say twelve months hence - "We were right - there was nothing to fear" - but even if they are, I shall not the more believe that such utter stupid supineness as Characterized, this place can be wise. What is to be expected of a Government that allows a single European murderer to be hovering about the centre of its population and levying black mail - (its people being the victims or reesrivers and abettors of the criminals) - for some 2 months on end. Last time in 1855 there were 5 ruffians who kept Wellington in awe - now one single determined fellow is strong enough to defy us, although himself wounded, bold enough to do it, though he has committed one capital and other minor offences since his escape. But Featherstone would not demoralize his police (save the mark!) by offering a £5 reward, which through police, settlers, Maoris, or soldiers, would have secured the fellow in a few hours or days at most. With my views of things £500 would not be too much if necessary. And in Maori matters, I should very much like to see the effect of an experiment, in which truth, straightforwardness, pluck and wholesome severity should play the parts which have been assigned to falsehood diplomacy, coaxing bribery, of late. I certainly am curious to know what the is that has been made about the Waitara. In the meantime, I am sceptical. At all events Governor Browne was not so very opaque and stupid in not discovering the thing in a hurry, when it has taken Sir George and himself so long a time, under the new regime to light upon it. I shall have myself and travelling Library in readiness for the Lord Ashley on her arrival from the South - with or without the mail (as the case may be) next month. I hope to be able to manage to give your Citizens a lecture or reading or some kind or korero, according to my supply of health spirits and time. I am not very brisk at present. Mr. Strang gets very stiff. Rising off his seat is a great effort for him, but otherwise he is well, and decidedly more hearty and less hipped than he was in my earlier days here. The comparative proximity of his home to the New Court and Chambers will be very convenient for him in bad or very hot weather, but we must induce him to take little walks farther abroad in suitable weather. The Provincials promise us our Court ready for September sittings, but I have my doubts. The (next the Scotch. Church) is villaneously bad - and both Court and Chambers will be dark and dismal. But I hope on the whole they will be pretty convenient. The external architecture is but a sham - a front and nothing more. The side and back windows are abominable. Ferard is moving about here as unsettled as ever, but speaks of going south next week. It is a pity so worthy a man should not have a more specific vocation. I am glad to hear so nice accounts of Douglas, but you must not pet him too much. I feel I want Similar advice respecting my boy, who is a most mecurial fidgetter but amusing and amiable young rattle. I get on slowly with my book; but find that I have fully as much for my mind to think of and my hand to do as I can healthily manage. I am glad you seem to like or not dislike (at all events) your present position and life, and with kind regards from us all, I am very truly yours, Alexander J. Johnston. His Honor the Superintendent of Hawkes Bay.