Wairoa 24 April 1865 My Dear McLean, I arrived here from Mahia last night, fell in with only five natives on the road, Nuhaka river having been shut up I did not go inland you will have heard about our trip which was rather an unfortunate one with me as regards loss of time, the Mohaka and Nuhaka natives have gone back today to their homes and the Hau Hau are about to take their departure, inland. The bold front shewn here had more to do with this than their God. I was much annoyed and surprised this morning on meeting Lock to be accused as circulating a report that the friendly natives were near, or about to fight at Wairoa that in consequence of such report some Ahuriri natives came up here to try and make peace between them. I told you about Rapu's people having loaded their guns and gave as my opinion that it was a matter of "bounce" but you may remember that you differed with me and thought it more serious, and the day after my arrival. I was told by Major Lambert (some news having come by the "Effort") that there was danger between portions of the friendly natives, which statement was supported by himself and Lock and I believe Deighton is or has been at all events annoyed that any thing would be circulated to injure their efforts here. I beg you to be good enough to explain this matter in your own way, the headings of which I have given above. In haste, Yours very truly, M. Fitzgerald.