New Plymouth August 12/70 My dear Sir Your two letters by last mail are at hand. It was so long since I last heard from you that I was beginning to think you must have forgotten me. You ask me what I think of the Pariaka meeting. I can only say that at present nothing is certain as to what line of policy Te Witi will recommend, but I am inclined to think it will be a peace policy but on what bases as yet remains a mystery. What I am afraid of, is that he will dictate action independent of the Government which sooner or later must lead to collision, unless by patience and conciliatory measures they are gradually overcome and restored to confidence in the Government a process difficult to administer in opposition to popular feeling and the progress necessary for the advancement of the country. Savaged are not civilized by Magic and the transition epoch in the history of all savage races has been most dangerous. My official letters convey all the news of the Waikatos arrived in this district. I dont like Rewi's scheming, it carries upon the face of it a gogged persistency characteristic of the man. I wish you to let me know if you approve of Ihaia going to Tokangamutu. You have never acknowledged my report on the road work dated 24 June. I asked for authority for additional expenditure £50 between Umeroa and Te Namu, and £25 at the Oeo river where there has been a land slip. Also an additional sum for Hukanuis contract which Natives are fairly entitled to. I saw a letter from Kelly to Halse in which he said that O. Carrington is to be appointed Surveyor of roads between New Plymouth and Patea, If such is the case the sooner it is done the better. He could then take charge of the road work and Nelson Carrington discontinued who by the bye has never been paid anything since he succeeded P. Smith - I have forwarded his Pay Abstracts regularly but never had one of them returned. There is a deal of talk in the place about the back pay of the Survey Staff now 12 months and I know O. Carrington is very much embarrassed in consequence. Yours Very Truly R. Parris.