My dear Weld, The Egrnont is just in and leaves again in an hour. You will see by an official which was too late for last mail that I sent to Auckland for additional Military Settlers. The Hauhaus are insidiously gaining ground and an engagement is pending between them and the friendly Natives at the Wairoa. The St. Kilda is at Poverty Bay she was to call off Wairoa today tonight or tomorrow I expect news from the North end of the Province. There are large demands for stockades and protections from settlers in all directions, to grant all would be preposterous. I am making the best of the means available. Karaitiana and Reneta's party are becoming more in their support at a Meeting yesterday they expressed themselves in a more emphatic sone against the Hauhaus. Their adoption of this course may weaken Tareha's influence on the Govt. side and as he is more widely supported by different tribes, if a war ensues it will lead to various complications however these questions must be met as they arise. etc. (Sigd.) Donald McLean. 22 April 1865 The Governor spent some hours here and talked of an east coast blockade etc. I will write to you again more fully in reference to the East Coast its friendly neutral and rebel tribes. The St. Kilda is most valuable on this Coast. Mr. Mantell. Thanks for officials and privates Wi Tako and Matene expected today a fight impending at the Wairoa may have commenced. The Natives of the plains K and R. more decided against the Hau hau an inferior Chief tells two hundred that he will persue his faith in spite of them. Report on Hapukus pention for next mail. 300 troops might avert a war.