Gisborne P. Bay 21 Nov. 1874. Sir D. McLean, Dear Sir, The people here were much diaappointed at your not being able to visit them. Very little has occured during my absence at Napier. An assault was committed at the Big River a few days ago, owing to an attempt to prevent a survey. The assault was committed by a woman named Miriama upon Pimia. I was under the impression the new act was to guard against troubles of this kind. Judgement was given in Pimias favor which is tantamount to recognizing right to survey. Mr. Wilson defendants counsel has advised still further stoppages on the grounds of survey being illegal requirements of the act not having been complied with in giving notice to the claimants etc. I have noticed several actions lately against Native grantees who have been in the habit of receiving rents of others and misappropriating it. It has struck me much of the trouble that has arisen in working of native lands acts might have been prevented had a provision been made for the appointment of a Govt. officer in each district to act as a recipient of native rents. European lessees and Native lessors would have but the one medium to look to. If this had been done much illegal advancing and subsequent alienation of land would have been prevented. I trust Sir you will excuse my offerring this opinion but I have thought the matter over and think that such powers could have been given to such an officer that Europeans would have been saved annoyances and Natives would only receive their rents when due and then get their just proportion which they seldom do now. I have the honor to be Sir, Yours most faithfully, T.W. Porter. Adjt.