Wellington May 27 63 My dear McLean The Natives are threatening to turn Vallance off his land, alledging that there are some monies still due to them. I enclose the Notice they have served upon him. Can you give me any information respecting their Claims. You know that Vallance's homestead is on the Masterton side of the Kaumungi. Perhaps if you would write a note to them, promising to investigate the claim, you might induce them to stay proceedings. If it had not been for the Taranaki affair, I should have paid you a visit by this Steamer, but now there is no saying when I shall get away. So, far, the Natives in this Province seem disposed to keep the peace, tho many are going to Taranaki. I confess this Island is in a far more critical position than it ever was - A report was brought down yesterday, that there had been a skirmish at Tataramake - and two Waitotera Natives Aropetu and Solomon killed - Kelham is bringing in some 370 shorn Wethers, seems undecided whether to keep or sell his run - What are our stations worth in the event of a general rising. The Council was prorogued yesterday, after a quiet, but useful Session. Yours faithfully I. E. Featherston