Onehunga, May 4th /60 My dear McLean, The bearer Hohepa Tamaihengia, of Nelson, who represents himself as an old friend of your's is about to proceed to Ngaruawahia to see what is going on. He brought a letter from Mr. Domett and has had two interviews with the Governor who has explained to him his intentions with reference to the Taranaki question. I have promised to write you by him as you will probably meet at Waikato - I wrote you a few lines by the 'Airedale' which was despatched to Raglan a week since but omitted to mention that the letters of invitation to the Southern Chiefs were sent by the 'White Swan' on the 25th ult. with letters to the persons named by you. A circular letter was also sent to the Port Nicholson and Wairarapa chiefs, copy of which I enclose. There is little of importance to report. Apihai and the Ngatiwhatua chiefs had a very satisfactory interview with the Governor shortly after you left - Peace has been made between Paikea and Tirarau but the land question is still unsettled and the peace may not last - The Ngatiwhatua offer to place 500 men at the Governor's disposal for the protection of Auckland if called upon for assistance. From the North many letters have been received expressing loyalty and goodwill to the Government Your article on Taranaki is in type but I fear we shall not get the 'Messenger' out in time to send you a copy by Mr. Buddle who leaves for Ngaruawahia early on Monday morning. There is no fresh news from Taranaki, but it is reported that the 'Kate Kearney' from that place is outside the Manuka - Of the starting of the expedition to look up the Ngatiraunuis you will have heard by the 'Airedale' - We are anxiously looking for the next intelligence - The Bishop has written a strong letter condemnatory of the proceedings of the Govt. in reference to the Taranaki affair - I am afraid the Governor will have to reckon the clergy of the Church of England among his opponents - He wishes a detailed statement of the case between Wm. King and Teira and the grounds upon which he was advised by you to make the purchase and has requested me to prepare something of the kind which I shall endeavor to do for your adoption, if expressing your views, as you may find your hands too full to give the subject that attention which is necessary to enable you to furnish what is required in time for the next mail. Turton is gone to Wellington for three months Hy. Clarke is back from the Bay of Plenty - has been well received, his report very satisfactory as respects state of feeling among the Natives - He has a few weeks leave to visit the Bay of Islands to settle his private affairs and will then return to his district. Kind regards to Rogan. Hoping you are continuing to gain strength and that your trip will not be too much for you. Believe me dear McLean Faithfully your's Thos. H. Smith P. S. Sewell is in much concern about the postponement of the session of the G.A. beyond the expiry of the Appropriation Act - thinks this step will cause downfall of present Ministry - considers the pledge given to hold Session in Wellington not binding under circumstances of the Colony - thinks Assembly will repudiate liability to bear expenses of the war which will then fall upon the Imp. Govt. who will be down upon the Governor for not calling the Assembly together before the end of June - In any case the Colonists if called on to bear expenses of the war will demand control of native affairs and that the Imp. Govt. will concede the point rather than admit its own liability - Sewell wants to know whether the Governor is acting upon your advice in the matter, and whether if so, your advice was given on the ground that it would be inexpedient to have the meeting of chiefs during a session of the G.A. in Auckland. T. H. S.