Waitawa, Wairoa Feby. 29th 64 Dear Sir, 'Ihaka Whanga' being on his way to Town you will hear from him nearly allnative news of any moment. There is not the smallest doubt that a considerable number of natives have left the Wairoa District from time to time for 'Waikato' - and but recently some twenty five or thirty have gone from 'Manga aruhe' under 'Te Waru' who has been most industrious in beating up for recruits in all directions. It is alleged that the 'Janet' a schooner trading between the river and Napier and owned by the up river natives purchases goods of various kinds in Napier and forwards them to 'Waikato' - This may or may not be true, certain however it is that they circulate an immense quantity of idle rumours of much evil effect on the minds of the natives. I write principally to suggest that altho' there would arise grave difficulty in the path of any attempted land yet that I believe the natives would gladly a considerable portion after the plan adopted by the Provincial Government in the case of the Pakohae Plains - From the excellence of the climate and soil the easy river communication and the short distance from Napier I am of opinion that 20 acres of land here would be of equal value to 50 acres in almost any other part of the Province - There is a considerable trade as it is, and the settlement of an English community would vastly increase the present native traffic - On the North side of the river there is a block of splendid land of some 4000 acres of Flat, almost wholly unused by its Native Owners - every way specially adapted for a settlement - and apart from every other consideration, I conceive that nothing would so throghly convince the natives of the sincerity of their professions than for the Government to become the tenants directly of the native owners - It would tend mainly to remove the prevalent notion in the native mind that it is only a question of time when that the Govt. will have disposed of their present foes, and turn round upon those whom fear or Interest have hitherto kept friendly. These statements loudly urged by the supporters of the King movement have largely influenced the natives and have been a 'great lever' in procuring recruits for the service of 'Waikato' Moreover the present small white community not beg. composed as a rule of the most desirable materials exercises an influence (under your permission, anything but salutory) that nothing but a larger and more respectable population will remove - But doubtless these matters have by no means escaped you - The interest I feel must plead my excuse for the liberty I take in making these suggestions - Ihaka goes to Town with 450£ to purchase a vessel There has been a runanga at 'te waka ki' of which he will inform you - The subject being the sale of a part of the Wairoa - he natives are much alarmed - They do not credit the protetations of friendship made them by the Commissioner on his visit here, looking upon the whole business as intended to throw dust in their eyes in respect of the real intentions of the Govt. That this feeling might be turned to account I make no doubt; and having once obtained a foothold it will be easier to convince the natives of our real Friendship. I will conclude by again pressing upon you the certain good that must result from your personally visiting the District - The natives are generally speaking expecting you but it would be well to give some two or three weeks notive otherwise many of the principal men may unintentionally be absent. I have the honor to remain, Dear Sir, Your most obedt. servt. Geo. B. Worgan Donald McLean Esqr.