Mount Herbert 30th. June 1859. My dear Maclean, There is some dispute between the Hapuku and Patricka and some other Natives about their rights to certain portions of the Tarewa Reserve Bush and as I have an agreement with Patricka and others to deliver me so many posts at an agreed on price, the Hapuku threatens to stop their proceedings. Now I am very unwilling to be mixed up in any of their quarrels, which I have hither to avoided most carefully, and when you come up I should like you to settle up the question between them so that my work may not be interrupted. I employ the Maoris themselves exclusively to split which enables them to earn a great deal of money and accustoms them to work which is congenial to them. The Hapuku has always been most arbitrary and difficult to deal with, interfering with the rights of other natives against which they are now rebelling almost unanimously. When let alone we can deal on fair terms with the Maoris who have recognised rights among themselves to certain portions of the Bush, and at present the Settlers in the neighborhood find no difficulty when they deal fairly in getting what they want on terms which altho high they are willing enough to pay, When you come up here we can talk the matter over. I shall be glad if you can make this your headquarters during your stay in the neighborhood. Horomona takes this to you and will explain the state of matters fully to you. Rettome who seems to have established considerable claims in the Tarewa Bush is backing up the other Maoris to assert their rights, and has shewn in every instance so far as I have seen great fairness to the Common people. In haste Yours always H.R. Russell.