A true copy. H.J.T. Auckland January 22nd. 1865. My Lord, I tried hard to reach Te Kawakawa in time for the Synod but I could not accomplish it. I went on board the Tauranga here three days before Xmas. On my arrival at Taurau I found that not only at Te Matata was a "Kati" but also at Ohiwa and to get an opportunity for the Coast beyond this place I had to wait at Tauranga 12 days. I was landed at the Kaha on the 7th. of January. As I felt sure the Synod would be over before I could get to the Kawakawa I went to Opotiki instead. The People show no inclination to fight again neither at Opotiki nor any where else in the district at Opotiki they are much cubdued through the fever. You know I suppose that the three ringleaders of the disturbance at Opotiki, Pohipi, Hori Te Tamaki, and Te Whakatatari are dead. The people cannot get over the murder of the Aparatanga, and blame you for not punishing the person who committed the crime, while they demand from the Maoris to give up those who murdered Europeans. The worst is that none of the calamities which befall them leads them to the source where wisdom, help, peace, and rest above is to be found I cannot get them to reflect on what has befallen them during the past years, and they exhibit great carelessness about the future, while the word of God seems to make little if any impression upon their heart. They are always very particular not to touch anything that belongs to me while I am from home, and on coming home they always receive me kindly. The fighting has now begun again at Wanganui, when shall we see the end of it, or rather the much desired result. The Paimariri has not been introduced to the East of Tauranga. If a collection was made at the Synod for the Uhua Mission, I beg you to put £5 for me I shall pay it in the Bank to your credit with the subscription for the South American Mission.