Hokianga May 1, 1871 My Dear McLean I am so almost crushed with office work, having in consequence of my long absence at Auckland fallen into arrear, that you will excuse a rather abrupt and hurried style so that I give you the information I promised. First then, I have communicated with Moses and several other Ngapuhi chiefs and they have accepted the Idea of sending a letter to Matataera to demand that Todd's murderers be given up. The letter is this moment finished, and I have told John Moses to make a copy, which I shall enclose herewith. The letter will be sent for signature to all the principal Chiefs of the Ngapuhi, and when signed will be transmitted by me to yourself at Auckland. It will be, I dare say, some weeks before all the signatures can be obtained. a hint from me would get a similar letter from Te Karama. I have not yet had an opportunity of taking any steps in the matter of Te Wake but will send him up at any time you chose to be rendered up to the fangs of the law and absolutely ironed, bedevilled, or otherwise maltreated as you may decide only I should wish you to send me notice of the proper time to send him up, which if you do I shall see to the rest. I have seen to all matters relating to the Waima School, the natives are prepared to act liberally in the matter and do fully what is necessary they are ready to transfer a piece of land to trustees and have already purchased at their own expence 7,000 feet timber (sawn) to build the school house, which they will do themselves. I have however so much to do not having, or likely to have for many months, a moment to myself that I have told Mr. William Webster who lives in Waima and who is much trusted by the natives to communicate with you or any one you may point out, on all matters of detail on the part of the natives if you desire it and which he will be very glad to do. I believe the natives are very earnest in their wish to see the school established and will do all they can to push the matter on. I wish you to be well informed on matters and things and to hold nothing back, I therefore tell you as a matter of confidential information intended only for yourself or those who you can implicitly trust, that if any serious fighting should take place between the Ngatimaru and the Ngatihaua about Te Aroha, nearly the whole of the Ngapuhi tribe, and a large number of the Rarawa are ready to take part with the Ngatimaru, and to support the decision of the Court, they are all convinced the decision of the Court is right, but I can see they wish to have a slap at Waikato at any rate, and I think if there is fighting about the Aroha that it will not be easy to prevent the Northern natives taking part in it. they appear to feel in want of a fight, and would rather have a good cause than a bad one, and so would rather fight about Todd or the Aroha, but I can see whatever the reason is, that they are just now in a great fighting humour, and tell you of it so that in case of not being able to keep them quiet you might perhaps turn this fighting propencity to advantage, if you saw occasion, for my part I hope they may remain in quietness but I know it to be a fact that overtures have been made to them by the Thames natives which have not been unfavourably received, and that the thing is being at this time a good deal discussed, though not openly, amongst the Ngapuhi. I shall be glad to hear that the Ngatimaru and Ngatihaua do not come to fighting, and notwithstanding the telegram you received on the day I left Auckland I scarcely think they will. I shall be glad to hear that you have received this letter, and also that you will tell me when the Wake is to be sent up. I am, My Dear McLean Yours very sincerely F. E. Maning. Excuse haste. Honble. Donald McLean, Defence Minister Auckland P. S. I have marked this letter"private" so that you may be the first to read it. Of course you will make what use you chose of it except that a few matters respecting the Ngapuhi feeling at present ought not to be published. F. E. M.