Kawhia Sunday Night 11 May 1845 My dear Sir, Just after morning service as I came out of the Chapel a native put the accompanying letter into my hand saying Mr. Aubury had brought it from Taranaki and was at Spencers. From its appearance I suspected it to be something of importance and feeling assured that you would in these times of extraordinary excitement and danger wish me to open it I did so partly to ascertain whether there was anything wrong at Taranaki and partly to enable me to judge whether I should go to the expense of engaging a native to follow you with it. I have decided that I ought and have determined to get a native to go after you post haste in the morning and shall tell him that you will pay him. You will remember that I told you of a Report that Heuheu was gone again to Wanganui, but te Pakaru wont believe it. However as you will be in the neighbourhood of some of the parties and will see Taunui I am anxious that you should ascertain on the spot some correct information in order that you may be able to write positively on the subject to the people at Wanganui. If you think of acting on the suggestion of the Police Magistrate in going to Wanganui then I would just suggest that when you are at Te Paripari you will be within three days of Taupo - from Taupo you could go to the head of Wanganui in three days - perhaps two - and down the River in two days or three days more so that if you took that route you would see Te Heuheu - get to Wanganui in less time and with less labour and have the satisfaction of telling the Wanganui people that you had seen all. But I only throw out the hint - act as you think proper when you have made all the enquiries you can where you are. Possibly the floods might hinder you this rainy weather. I cant enlarge further and praying that Providence may be your guide and protection I remain, Yours truly, J. Whiteley P. S. As an excuse for opening your letter I may say that had anything serious happened at Taranaki I might have felt it my duty in your absence to run off at once to New Plymouth. J. W.