Dunedin, 7th Septr., 1860. My dear McLean, Mr. Atkinson accompanied by Mr. Jenkins native interpreter did me the honor of calling yesterday with your note of the 1st current - Both these gentlemen had gone on to the nearest pah in the Bush (about 1 mile from the Happy Valley) but Te Manu had gone on to the old Pah by the Sea so that they did not see him, only took this on their way to Town. I am happy to inform you, which Mr. Atkinson will confirm from what he has also learned the few days he has been here, that there is no foundation in the report which has reached Taranaki, that the Natives meditated an attack on Wellington - I have however heard it reported, that the Wellington Natives intended leaving for Taranaki, as stockades were about being erected there, and as well that Pakehas were being Gained to be soldiers in order to kill them, the Maories. Mr.Sharp (Mr. Poynters clerk) has had a letter from my son James about some of these reports, which Mr. Atkinson intended calling to see and which he will report to you accordingly. I had this morning a letter from your asst. Native Secy. Collingwood from which I send you the following extract ''I am driven here, there, and every where, over head and ears in work - and every body bothering, about every conceivable thing, from holding Inquests, to reading funeral services, and from that to Gold Fields work, then the Native botherations - and to mend all I am going to have the Influenza - I feel it coming on now. ''In reply to your query I have had no answer about the West Coast business, or Alicks Money - as to the former all the documents will not be there (Auckland) this three Months, there are so many plans of reserves to make I wrote that these had to be done, and no man can work longer than his eyes will let him. When I write until my eyes run water it is about time to knock off of a night - and at other times walk 40 Miles a day on H. M. S.'' I suppose you could also report some of the like grievances. I am glad to hear from Mr. Atkinson that you are in better health, in short he says you are jolly now. These Maori affairs must add very much to your work and give you a great deal of extra botheration - I hope however they will now get such a thrashing, that they will be settled so far as creating disturbances about Land etc. for evermore, and it would serve some of the clergy but right, if they got a slight exposure in the Halberts, to show they are not to rule the Maories. James I suppose has communicated to your Department, that he has had meetings with the Natives at Takaka and Matuika, with reference to the late Meeting at Auckland, and also the present disturbance at Taranaki. This has led him to address the Natives not only at these Meetings, but by letter, two Copies of which I transmit you herewith. I also send a Nelson Examiner which only contains the translation. To the heading of the article before the same, I wish to draw your attention as being the chief reason of addressing the Natives - I have forwarded the Copies to the Wakapuaka Natives returning a spare one for you, which was addressed to Wiremu Kahini. You will regret to learn that Mrs. MacKay has been dangerously ill for the last 10 weeks, having burst a blood vessel in her stomach. She is now somewhat better, but I fear will never fairly get over it. We are all otherwise baring the Influenza much in our usual way. The Davidsons with little girl are now up with us from Otago. With all our usual good wishes to you and trusting to hearing from you at your leisure, I remain, My dear McLean, Yours very Sincerely, James MacKay. Young Coates goes home for good in Octr., improved in height and looks, but not in conduct. On Monday next I intend writing James and will forward on your note to us.