Napier 20th. Novr. 1867. My dear Richmond, I received yours of the 18th. Instant and in reply I can only state that I am quite prepared to afford any assistance in my power towards a settlement of the East Coast question. I suppose you did not see my letter to Stafford of the 15th. when you wrote, I enclose a copy of it, I should have sent it direct to you but you were absent at the West Coast, I have been expecting to see you up here. There has been a rumour of an attack upon the Wairoa from Waikarimoana I do not attach any importance to it, on the contrary I hope the Uriwera may be inclined to make peace, I sent a report stating that Pairau one of the leading men sent to Tareha of this place to enquire if he could visit Napier. I am very anxious to get the Country between here and Taupo opened up and it would be good policy to employ the Natives in doing so, if the Genl. Govt. wikl countenance and support such an undertaking it will do more than anything I know of to settle the interior of the Island. Such a work as this is beyond the means of the Province but I am prepared to give all the assistance I can. I remain My dear Richmond Yours faithfully, D. McLean