Waitanoa Papakura, Augt. 14th 1867. My dear McLean, I have arranged with Karaitiana and Weber to go out to Omarutairi on Monday next the 19th - that is, to be there on Tuesday 20th - to arrange about the line. The Ngaitahu have been down at Pakowhai and K. tells me they have already fixed among themselves (subject of course to our visit) upon two lines, one to cary out your arrangement with him in Wellington and the other to throw in some more land in order to get some money for themselves. He is greatly disappointed at not getting the £100 for Hemi, as he seems to have fancied that I was to take it up with me. Whether we shall go at the time appointed is doubtful for it is raining cats and dogs and I fear there will be a flood tomorrow. This place is all under water now (11 p.m.) and I have some doubts if I shall be able to get my letter to town tomorrow, in time to post. The rumours that were going about when last steamer sailed have turned out to be myths. Firth's cattle are stopped at Oruanui by the Ngaiterangiita and nobody of the party has been molested. Hohppa is looking after the cattle. Tareha says there is nothing in the Hauhau report from Wairarapa - he must have heard from Taupo or the Urewera if there had been. We moved out here at the end of last week and there has been nothing but rain ever since - now the water is rising fast and the whole section is flooded. I fear it will wash away the unfinished approach to Meeanee bridge. The Maoris are selling away at a great rate, and I have written to the Native Office to urge upon Govt. to have inalienable reserves made under the act of 1866, to save the Maori from himself, or they will soon be paupers on the state. Tareha left £400 out of his Papakura £500 in Button's store within 1/2 an hour of the payment and the £3,000 due next year is more than forestalled. Henare is selling Wahaparata, Karauria has sold the Priests paddock at Waitangi, and other sales are going on all round. At this rate the whole thing won't last 2 years more - and then? I have no news of a general nature to give you. The Papakura purchase has given immense satisfaction. I met Alick on the road yesterday, looking very well. He is all right again. Yours faithfully G.S. Cooper