Turanga, April 27, 1860 My Dear Sir At your request I write a few lines on my arrival here with view to give you a brief outline of the state of affairs in this district. On my way we touched at Tanapahore and at the Awanui. The Taranaki news had reached these places; but the natives were not at all excited by the report nor appeared to sympathise with the Taranaki natives. At Turanga I received the agreeable information that all are quiet and show no sympathy with the Taranaki insurrection. The settlers assured me that a change for the better had taken place among the natives, and that their behaviour towards the Europeans had greatly improved. I have not yet seen Mr. Wardell, but have been told that the Chiefs are strongly opposed to his being withdrawn from this place -- a memorial was being made to His Excellency to urge the continuance of the Resident Magistrate of the district. From these and other considerations, I feel happy to state my deliberate conviction that there is no ground for apprehension of difficulties with this people -- I may add one matter of interest -- The people in the neighbourhood of the old Mission Station have set to work upon the Church there and propose to effect its completion. You will, I am sure, be gratified in receiving a more favourable account of the state of things in this place. I am, My Dear Sir Very truly yours Charles Baker D. McLean Esqr.