Copy. New Plymouth 21 Novt. 1849. Sir, I have to inform you that the Waireka natives have again molested Major Lloyd. This morning a party headed by a native named Peter applied to him for payment for the fencing left by them on Section No. 12 and threatened to burn it unless paid for it. Major Lloyd very properly objected to their demand and they set fire to the fern in several places for the purpose of burning the fencing. I was sent for, I saw Mr. McLean and shewed him Major Lloyd's note to me stating the occurrences; he promised to send Mr. H. Halse to Waireka to speak to the Natives, I proceeded thene, upon my arrival I found one pile of fencing burning and extinguished the fire in it. Had I not done so (as up to five o (clock P.M. no message from Mr. McLean had been delivered to the Natives) in the interim of six hours the whole of the fencing and a considerable portion of the bush would probably have been destroyed. The Natives allege that their title to the land has not been extinguished and you are perhaps not aware that they are now about fencing in a large piece of land for future cultivation. The sun (seven pounds) demanded for the fencing is the amount they consider they are justly entitled to receive forthe land and I am fully convinced that unless some payment be made to them them will again set fire to the fencing. I regret to have to address you so frequently respecting this land but it is difficult to imagine that Mr. McLean is using his best endeavours to put Major Lloyd in possession whilst he deems it too much trouble to proceed personally to Waireka to prevent a serious misunderstanding with the Natives and the wanton destruction of property. The apathy shewn by Mr. McLean on this occasion has impressed Major Lloyd with the belief that property in New Plymouth is insecure, even when situated on land purchased by H.M. Government, and will I fear deprive the settlement of a valuable Colonist. Sir, I have the honor to be Your obt. servt. R. Brown. Capt. H. King H.N. Resident Magistrate. a true Copy Hen. J. King. R.M.