Taranaki June 7th. 1852. My dear McLean, I am so pestered by Natives and by having so many letter to write for this morning's post that I can scarcely squeeze a few minutes before the closing hour to scribble a short letter to you. I had a long korero with Puketapu on Saturday about the Bell Block and they all stuck out most stoutly against the £30, so much so that I fear there is little or no chance of their taking it up. I have no time to give you a detailed account of what passed at the meeting, but I have reported it officially and I daresay Domett will let you see the letter. I wish you wd. write and let me know what you think of their promise to sell another piece. I am afraid it is only held out as a bait, but I should like to have you opinion, as you know these Puketapu rascals better than any one else. I was very much annoyed indeed at the conduct of the Tamati Waka. I met him on the road a few days ago and he told me that he was sure the Natives would take the balance and that if I would call a meeting he would use all his influence in my favor and that if that wd. not do he would take the money himself and force the others to accept it. Of course I knew the last part was all brag, but I did rely on his assistance and called the meeting accordingly, which he attended, but instead of doing any good, he waited till Iharaira, Katatore and Te Huia with several others had spoken, and then rose and told me in a loud voice in the presence of the whole assembly that the payment was too small and that he advised me to apply for an increase, for that otherwise the claimants were so numerous and so influential that the land never would be given up, Rawiri also annoyed me very much by sitting perfectly dumb, and when I asked him to speak and to use his influence in softening the oppositionists, he replied that he had no influence, that his mouth was shut because his part of the land had been paid for and that if he did say anything he could do no good. In short I found myself standing quite alone to be bullied, derided and insulted by the whole Puketapu tribe, whilst Rawiti, Tamati Waka, Hare Purumare, and Tahana were standing around me apparently enjoying the fun. Tahana it appears is one of the claimants for Putatutonga and although he did not speak publicly, still he told me pretty plainly that the £30 would never do and that he for one would persist in sticking out for more. I wish you would apply to see my letter and give me your opinion in the questions I have raised. All this difficulty would never have occurred had Cap. King only had the pluck to take the responsibility of handing over the £30 when they applied for it, but he replied that he had no authority, and R. Brown told them it was untrue that he had - so nothing will now induce them to believe the contrary, I should feel very much obliged if you would take an early opportunity of sending me up any records you may have belonging to this office, as I have found great inconvenience already from the want of them. I must now conclude as it is past 12. I will write again per 1st opportunity. Pray excuse this hurried scrawl. I send letter from Ihaia and Rawiri who have been bothering me about them all morning. Kind regards to Mrs. M. Believe me, Ever sincerely yours, G.S. Cooper.