Wellington Nov. 5th. 1874. My dear Sir Donald, I think I see the "Rangatira" in this morning and although I have no news to convey must send you a few lines. I have not yet heard the result of the Governor's visit to Otaki - Dr. Pollen has just returned but I have not yet been able to see him. I send you copies of telegrams that have passed in reference to Patea surveys difficulty, this time not caused by the Pakahohi, but by two officers of the Government both holding responsible positions. Major Atkinson kindly interested himself in the matter and all is going on smoothly again. Both gentlemen are decidedly inclined to be "pigheaded" altho' good officers, and when you add to that what Parris calls "distinct jealousies" we must expert occasional squalls - so long as the public business and interests do not suffer it is not of so much moment. Sorry that Mr. Wilson - true to his peculiar temperament and instincts - has aroused the ire of the settlers in the Poverty Bay District - I firmly believe that he is doing what he thinks best for the public service - but he is such a cantankerous fellow no one can get on with him. I hear that Porter is in Napier boiling over with indignation at some of Wilsons proceedings - but you should also be aware that Porter has not behaved well. Porter sent an account of Houkamaus meeting for publication in the "Waka" - I observe a speech by himself which demands explanation - I enclose it for your information and perhaps you will see fit to give him a good talking to. He seems to imply that he has been slighted by the Government - that the Government in sending the "Commissioner" (Wilson) have been indifferent to their interests and that he fears that through his action the Ngatiporou will be reduced to the same straits as the Turanga natives - a more disloyal speech I never heard from a Government officer. It is calculated to produce actual mischief. I extremely deprecate the "cat and dog" line of conduct pursued by many of our officers towards each other. The gravity of our native difficulties is a source of sufficient anxiety - without the worry of these wretched officers quarrels superadded and I do not wonder at Rolleston and Cooper being glad to be rid of the bother. I hear that the Napier people are going to give you a dinner on the 10th. I am glad of it. It will give you an opportunity of addressing your constituents without subjecting you to annoyances which sometimes occur on a platform. Have just received your scolding telegram re Murimohi boundary line and would at once have satsified your enquiries had it been possible - but as Booth is away from Whanganui I doubt very much whether there will not be considerable delay before we get the desired information. I have just seen Dr. Pollen he tells me that the meeting at Otaki was a satisfactory one - no complaints and the natives were very well behaved. I herewith send you also a list of native officers in the Napier and Wairoa Districts. I send you your letters under cover of a separate envelope. Faithfully yours, Hy. T. Clarke.