Wanganui Jan. 3/72 My dear Mr. McLean You will notice what I have said in my semi official about Topia's brother and the watch, and really the case would have been a serious one had we not interfered after the case had been heard and dismissed I managed to find out the whole thing. Ward, a european, had offered a woman of rank 5/s to allow him to have connection with her, she refused and tried to get away, but he held her, when she cried out another woman came up, and Ward offered her 1/6d to go away and say nothing about it, both the women now left refusing the money, and Topias brother was informed of it, and determined to get payment without reference to the roundabout way of going to law. Having no money, he borrowed two shillings from a native and than asked Ward in the public house to have a drink - he asked Ward the price of the watch he had on, a sum was named. "Let me see the watch", it was handed to him, I will keep this watch in payment for your misconduct", and away he ran out with it, Ward in pursuit - Topia met the women and passed the watch on to them Ward seized him and tore his clothes - Ward now went for a policeman and Topia brother was taken into custody and searched but only 2/s and a tobacco pipe were found. After the court was cleared of the natives I looked for my hat, but it had vanished in a mysterious way. To do the natives credit directly it was known to have been my hat, it was conveyed back to me. They were very sorry but they thought it had been Wards.!! My reason for mentioning this affair to you is, that had it not been settled peaceably all land purchasing operations would have had to be indefinitely posponed. I fancy there is a fair opportunity of arranging about Aorangi without the Rangitikei question being interfered with. My brother has been sent for by Topine and is going up the river, I will keep you informed if any news of importanceis brought back. Yours very truly Thos. McDonnell