Auckland 11 July 64 My dear McLean, I am going to tell you a very extraordinary circumstance that occurred to me. A Mr. Budd called upon me, and stated that 32 years ago he was at Opotiki as a mate of a trading vessel and that he had been left there as a hostage for four Natives who embarked in his vessel - that he remained at Opotiki for upwards of a year, formed a connection with a native woman, and that the native woman had a half-caste child, she must be his, as no European was there during the time. He mentioned the woman's name, and it appears the child is the mother of Thomsons children. There cna be no doubt of the fact. I told him her history, and I brought the children from school and I never saw a man so delighted. She remembers her mother, stating the fact he now states, he had to run away for his life, as the four natives did not come back, and the tribe were going to take "hutu" out of him. He was married since and had two children but all have died, and he wishes to provide for his child, now Mrs. Reid, he told be he was not rich, but had enoughto live upon and had property etc. at Waka Tipu Lake, I believe near Invercargill. It is a very curious history. The boy Thomas Thomson goes this day to St. Johns College where I think he will get a good Education and Maggy remains with Mrs. Lonsdake. The College Education will cost £62 a year. I hope you will agree to this arrangement, as the funds of the Estate will afford this sum and I do not see anyway we can invest it better. I am going this week to see about selling your Land and have spoken to Grahame about it. The Gov. and Ministry are In fact they are The recent despatch from Mr. Cardwell has been a severe blow to the Ministry and has created a feeling of of the affairs of this Province, which I think will increase, as it is only the first step the Home Govt. have taken to check improper and arbitrary power assumed by the Colonial Government, I am afraid more will be done to stop the progress of events here. There are several natives here, Haupapa Wm. Marsh etc. come to speak to the Governor. I think there will be more fighting at Tauranga and Taranaki, but not here. The 1 Rgt. W.M. are located at Tauranga 2nd. and 3rd. at Upper Waipa and that District. I see "Ngaruwahea" Township is put up at £100 an acre, I dont think I would recommend anyone to purchase at that price. Who is to give a title! What is to make it so valuable! I think Waka to Heads and Tauranga Township (when they are sold) will be the best place for investments. No more news. My people are all well. Yours ty. H. Balneavis.