Letter from T.G.B. to Donald McLean Esq. dated 13th. August 1859. . Auckland 13th. August 1859 My dear McLean, Featherstone writes as usual, and complained bitterly of the relaxation of Sir G. Grey's regulations, relative to the sale of arms. I have referred him to Sir. G. Grey's Proclamation of 20th. August 1851, and notice of 26th. June 1857; together with my circular to the Magistrates of the 14th. August 1857; By these it appears that my regulations are the most stringent of the two, as relates to arms, but that gunpowder has been admitted freely down 300 men, to force the natives who have sold the Waitotara, to restore the money, and reclaim the land, - Ministers say they have two Bills ready for settling the native land purchase question. I have not yet seen them. I send you Sewell's scheme. If you have time, send me your remarks on it. I have made a modification of his plan myself, but Ministers have it, and as usual it remains with them. Yours, - (Signed) T.G.B. 15th. August. To:- Donald McLean Esq. since 1857. I doubt not that arms have been sold illegally in great numbers, but why did not his police interfere, and prevent it? Nine guns only have been sold by licence in Wellington, since 1857; and thirty-four only in Whanganui; making a total for the Province of 43, since 1857. You remember the reasons for admitting gunpowder, viz, - that those natives who were least friendly were all armed, while our friends were neither protected or armed. That smuggling was carried on to an immense extent, in spite of us, and that prosecutions signally failed, particularly in the case of King. The Committee of the H.R. called for Haultain, (on which no Minister sat), circulated 35 printed questions to 33 persons; yet the Committee ''think it would not be judicious to reinforce the former restrictions.'' Featherstone also writes in great alarm about the Wairarapa. He says old settlers are taking refuge in Wellington, having been warned to do so, by friendly natives; and seems to think a general outbreak imminent. I suspect it is a beef and mutton agitation, as he says a deserter and interested persons are exciting the natives to rebel; and that the latter are armed to a man. It is doubtless easy enough to get up a difficulty; and no one can tell where it will all end if blood is shed. The steamer ought to have been detained for Buller's return, if there were any real danger. I would then have gone down in her at once, with all the Troops I could take from here, which would not be more than 200. Mean time, as I have not heard from you or any one I can depend on, I expect it will end in smoke. Tancred is going to Nelson; and at my suggestion, passes by Wellington. I have sent down instructions to have the Militia in readiness; and told him, if necessary, to send a steamer up for Troops at once. I am looking anxiously for news from you. Pray write fully as soon as you can. Of course you will go to the Wairarapa at once, and tranquilize the natives there. If possible, it would be very desirable to catch the instigators of these troubles, and prosecute them. I wrote you at length about Buller in my last. I had no idea you had recommended him to be Assistant Native Secretary at Wellington, when I wrote to Featherstone to say I had never contemplated such an appointment. The young blackguard, however, cannot keep clear of politics, and must pay the penalty. We are going to send him to the Middle Island as soon as some one can be found to replace him at Wellington. I am strongly of opinion that we should have a Native Agent always resident in the Wellington Province, and ready to meet such a cry as that just got up. can be sent there? I fancy Hutton will not go to the Waikato and we propose Halse from Taranaki. Turton I propose for Rotorua District. Johnstone, who has lately married, applies for employment in the Native Department; but I am rather afraid of him. He professes regret for previous indiscretions, and promises good behaviour. He married Major Speedy's daughter, and lives at Kawhia. I wish you were here to advise me, but I know you are well-employed where you are; and unfortunately you cannot cut yourself in pieces. Carleton talks of agitating the natives for District Purchase, but I think he will pause before doing so. Ministers are preparing two Bills; but I have not yet seen them. All respectable people seem to be pleased with the Despatch which we printed from Sir L. Bulwer. It gives me complete power. I give this to Tancred for you, as the best means of reaching you. I have been writing in haste to Hawke's Bay, but perhaps you have not got my letters. I have told Tancred to consult with you, if there are any difficulties. Believe me always yours sincerely (Signed) T.G.B. P.S. I have this instant received your letter dated 23rd. July from Te Aute. As you say nothing of the rows in the Wairarapa, and have natives from thence with you, I put less faith in the reports even than I did before; but pray do not neglect to go there. I met Buddle yesterday evening, who told me that the King making had sprung up in Taranaki with great violence; that they had sent to Pohutu to request him to send