Greytown 13th. January 1860. My dear Sir, An unexpected opportunity of letting you know how matters are progressing in Rawiri's affairs has occurred which I will avail myself of. He had a large meeting of the Papawai natives yesterday about 150 to decide about Rawiri. He (Rawiri) is very obstinate determining either to retain the land at the Torohanga or else to have his original claim at Motupiri allowed as this includes Vennell's House and Paddock's etc. etc. It is utterly impossible to allow it. I offered them 100 acres and £100 compensation for our share of the error, in accordance with the terms of your letter which the Manihera read publickly, the only reasonable offer I had was from the Manihera who said he would undertake to remove Rawiri on a payment of £400 compensation in addition to the 100 acres. This I considered out of the question, but it proved as I told him that it was in his power if he pleased to remove him. Vennell's title of course cannot be touched but I pointed out to him the sections sold conditionally on Rawiri's reserve, my belief is that Manihera is keeping Rawiri there or perhaps encouraging him in his opposition. I am going again to see the Natives about it this morning and am determined to do nothing untill the most troublesome matter is settled, nearly 20 Europeans are unsettled by this question and something must be done if the Natives will not listen to reason, they must be made to listen to something else. Your return to Wellington is so uncertain that I shall not be there to see you unless you send up a special messenger when I would immediately come down in order that you may be made aware of the state of affairs in the meantime no exertion shall be wanting on my part to settle this most troublesome matter. Bye the bye I went to the Criterion to get your saddle etc. an old thing not worth 10/- and a wretched broken bridle was offered me as left by Simeon at the Hotel as yours. I declined to accept them. So you had better write to Taranaki about them. St. Hill has just gone by to Porangahau to remove his sheep off the Native lands, Before he starts for England, he tells me that he will leave Wellington about the first weeks in February. I also wish to see you about Pirika's claim to £400 worth of land in Borlase's run. Excuse haste and believe me to be very truly yours Will N. Searancke. D. McLean Esq. Christchurch.