28th. Jany. 1860. My dear Sir, Old Rawiri is as obstinate as ever and is strongly backed up by the Manihira and the Runanga, but I feel assured that if you would come up for a day or two that they would respect what you said to them looking upon you as the person who made the arrangement in the first place and the only one to settleitin fact Rawiri told me that if you and Mr. Gillies told him to go that he would do so. Another trouble I have lately had is the Huramuorangi reserve, the Ngahitau natives are and have been for some time resident on and are now claiming a portion of it as owners. This is strongly opposed by Ngatuere and his friends who desire that I should purchase it, they have been talking over it for the last week and I believe that had I not been present that they would have fought about it, as it is, if something decided is not done, it will come to a row, I feel convinced. The Ngahitau Tribe are supported by the Runanga, Ngatuere depends on the Government. He certainly is right in his claims, I would not on principal buy a reserve except in a case where quarreling is going on and likely to lead to Bloodshed such as this case is. I have setted Tupapakurua for Moore - £500 in all and a reserve. I hope you will let me know of your arrival in Wellington and if you are sufficiently recovered I think a few days will be well bestowed in settling at least Rawiri's land claims, as at least 20 Europeans are at the present time in a state of doubt and uncertainty about their land. Ever My dear Sir, Yours very truly, Will N. Searancke. I shall be in Town on the 10th. Feby. if I do not hear from your before, I go to Makara, Kelly's run on Tuesday. W.s.