Napier 26th. August 1869 My dear Sir, I received your telegram last night, and shall, of course, return to Turanga. Besides the letters I enclose showing there is some discontent in a portion of the native mind at Poverty Bay. I am pretty well convinced in my own mind that Tamihana Ruatapu and Henare Turangi, with part of their people, are equal to any disturbance, and as their Pah is within our lines of defence, if any combination of purpose was afoot between the enemy outside, by the pseudo Friendlies inside, in case of any attack, the first few minutes would be extremely critical for the twonship. I can see clearly that all your Constabulary will be useful just now, but if a few men could be obtained in Wellington for purely Garrison duty at 2/6, and rations per diem, it would relieve our own settlers very much, who, you will understand, are willing to perform their Military duties - but at the expense of themselves - for ploughing, planting, fencing, etc., are going on in the country; and instead of stopping these industries, if a few men could be obtained to go as substitutes for these men, say 15 or 20, it would allow all these matters to go on pleasantly enough, besides giving us a population. Mr. Porter, late a Sub-Inspector, and D. Finan will hand this to you, so if you approve of this plan, he may be of use in collecting the men. He will also hand you a plan for Defensive Townships. If the Government thinks it advisable, the Defence Force men might be got together by Porter, and as I know he is anxious for something to do, it would benefit him. We are in want of good carbines for the Mounted Corps. If you can spare 40, and have sword bayonets affixed, there is no better weapon for the New Zealand Cavalry. The carbines in our possession are extremely old, and the shooting made by them, very inaccurate. You will not forget, I hope, that we have no Resident Magistrate, for Atkinson says he intends to resign on his arrival there - Wellington. There exists a necessity for a more constant communication between Poverty Bay and the outer world. About six weeks elapsed without a steamer calling in previous to the ''St. Kilda'' stopping the other day. I have not time to write more, as the ''St. Kilda'' is just off. Am much obliged to you for your note of 21st. inst. Yours respectfully (Signed) Chas. Westrup. To:- J.D. Ormond Esq., Wellington.