Private. New Plymouth, Sep.28, 1860. My dear Sir, I take this opportunity of forwarding a few lines by the Airedale, although I have but little to communicate more than I have supplied officially. There is no doubt but that W.Kings party, are rather down upon their luck, since the operations at Huirangi which you witnessed. I gave Te Ropiha a reprimand for going to Mataitawa (although he obtained desirable information) because he obtained a pass from Good, without my knowledge, the day before you left, for which I complained to Good, and explained to him that when a question of principle was involved (as in this case) it must be left to the Commander of the Forces, and the Native Secretarys Department, and as you were present, he had acted wrong in doing anything in the matter, a step I should not have taken myself without submiting it to you. The Southern expedition (as usual) has not given satisfaction, having been near enough to look at the Pa's without attacking them. The Native allies with the expedition (80) behaved exceedingly well. Mahau and Karipa, Tamati Waka, Tahana, Poharama, and Ngarongomate went with them. I instructed W.Carrington to take the Poutoke Natives with him, but strange to say only two went, Bob and another. I have recommended that the expedition be repeated, as convenient in order to destroy two of the Pa's at Kaihihi if not the third, which is in the bush. If we should fail to inflict a severe punishment, we should in all probability harass them. I understood when you were here, that it was agreed, for the Natives at Fort Herbert and at the Henui to be allowed to plant Potatoes on some of the land near their Pa's, but I am sorry to say, the General is not favourable to it now. It will be a serious matter if they do not plant Potatoes some where or other, for the ration they get is barely sufficient for the men, without any provision for their women and children. I cannot see what the objection can be to their enclosing any Town land which is not occupied in the present state of affairs. Of course the land would at once be given up, when the present rebellion is put down. My friend Captain Paul took upon himself to order the Natives who have built a strong Pa near Dr. Hornes, back to their respective places Hua and Waiwhakaiho. The Natives were in a great way about it, until I went to Col. Carey who was rather surprized and requested me to take no notice of it. He also informed me that all orders would in future come through him. Colonel Lesley, with the headquarters of the 40th, have all gone to Waitara. It is reported that a bad feeling was rising between the two regiments, which caused the removal of the 40th, but I cannot vouch for the acuracy of it - I sincerely hope such was not the case. One thing I do know, that is, that there is a very strong feeling of jealousy with the Commanders of 65th against the Major Generals Staff the Command having passed from the former to the latter. I find that a great deal of the opposition to the removal of the Women and Children was produced by the old Commanders who encouraged the opposition. I am, My dear Sir, Yours very truly, Robert Parris.