Private. Mount Herbert. 15th. April 1860. My dear Maclean, We were all pleased to learn the other day the recent successes of the Queen's troops which will I trust I have a wholesome effect on any of the tribes who may be hankering after the cause of William King. I trust also we shall soon hear of the War being over and matters being settled in such a manner as will put down the King Movement, which has attained much more formidable dimensions that I ever expected it would. Nearly all the Maoris inland in this District are Runanga people, and Hapuku and Hori Nia Nia nearly stand alone. There is apparently considerable alarm and excitement among the Maoris hereabouts, but their feeling and demeanour towards the Settlers exhibits no change that I can perceive. There is to be a great meeting at Waiparata near Pakowai on Monday first when the Natives have invited the Government headmen to meet them, but they object to Colenso being interpreter. This person made a most violent speech in the Provincial Council against the Maoris on the occasion of an address of sympathy being proposed with the Taranaki people; and complied with his threats on a previous occasion while acting as Interpreter for the Supt. -- to the effect that the white people were now becoming so numerous that if they the Natives did not sell their land, or allow Roads to be made through them, their leave would not be asked soon. This has excited the gravest alarm and resentment in the mind of the Natives. The worst of it was that, at first they identified others -- myself among the number -- with this hard feeling towards them, but now I am glad to say they quite understand that the sentiments of the principal settlers towards them are kindly, with few exceptions. They can't understand, however, the new system of Government, with a man like Colenso in high place and authority. It offends their notions of propriety altogether. The Council have just confirmed him in his offices of Auditor and Interpreter and advanced him salary to £300 a year!! It would appear that his immoral conduct -- his disgraceful behaviour in refusing to running up my land -- and his violent sentiments towards the Maoris -- entitled him in the opinion of the Council to a suitable reward!!! The fact is, that assembly contains no independent Members -- they are all either or stopped by ''Tommy''. The lavish expenditure carried on without proper knowledge of engineering and superintendence -- two many irons in the fire in fact -- will bring on a finanaial crisis in six months, which will put our small provincial institutions in jeopardy. This is no laughing matter to large freeholders like you and me -- we shall either have improvements stopped or have to pay the piper in shape of taxes. You know my opinion of Tommy's fitness for Superintendent. His notions in regard to native affairs are likewise rather arbitrary and exacting -- indeed he and Colenso seem to be much of the same opinion. There is some talk of forming a Militia -- Captain Lambert has just been offered the adjutancy. Whilst I approve of being prepared to act with becoming vigour in case of necessity, I have strong opinions that the calling out of the Militia in this District might be the means of bringing on disturbances and embarrassing the Govt. in their operations at Taranaki. A quiet pursuit of their ordinary avocations by the settlers will re-assure the minds of the Natives and induce them to remain neutral, I think. At the same time there ought to be a supply of rifles and ammunition sent to Napier for the service of a Militia and Volunteer force and the Corps could he enrolled, without being called out to train. The low whites do a great deal of harm by bouncing the Natives, and alarming them as to out intentions. We sadly want a Resident Magistrate up here, but the Provincial Council refuse to vote funds for one. Don't you think some of the present inland Magistrates could be appointed Resident Magistrates, or if my Brother who is now staying with me till his new house is ready were appointed a J.P. and R.M., his popularity with the Natives and thorough knowledge of their language and ideas on the different matters which chiefly interest them, would I think enable him to do a great deal of good, and by degrees weaken the Runanga influences. If he consented to act he would do so without salary I doubt not. I have not spoken to him on the subject as I know the idea of appearing to ask for such a thing would be most repugnant and I have made the above suggestion in consequence of what took place at Te Aute between you and me on the subject; when you proposed to me to take the office. I then strongly urged you to appoint Cooper, but I fear he has not much influence over the Natives, and then there will be no salary. Of course we should require a Clerk to the Bench and with our two mounted Police, Court House and Lock-up at Waipukerau, we only want a Resident Magistrate possessing the respect and confidence of the Natives and the separation of our inland District Court entirely from Napier to put legal matter so far as both Natives and Europeans are concerned into proper and satisfactory working order. I merely throw out these ideas to you confidentially leaving you to take what steps in the matter you may think best. At any rate I think my Brother is entitled to be made a J.P. for his old standing position in the District and qualifications, and knowing your former wishes on the subject, I do not hesitate to say so, tho' it may appear rather indelicate. We were all very sorry to hear you have been so poorly but I trust you are now well again. We heard you were going to England but I presume this unfortunate war will detain you sometime and I hope to see you again before you go. How little people see of each other in a Colony to be sure!! Mrs. Russell and my Brother unite with me in kindest regards and I remain, hoping to have a line from you, Yours always, H.R. Russell.