Raglan July 15th 1873 My dear Sir, I send you herewith a letter purporting to be a translation from the Maori, it was written in this district against Mr. Morgan who was stopping at Hone te One's place and telling the natives all manner of curious stories. Kereopa te Apa a staunch Kingite from South side of Aotea informs me that the Ngatihaua have determined to abandon their settlements at Wharepapa, Aratitahu and Waniwani and take up their quarters at Te Kuiti in compliance with Tawhiao's wishes. I can hardly believe this, as these people have always expressed a determination of keeping the peace made by William Thompson. If this is true it will indeed be difficult for us to believe, any statements of friendship made by natives. I think we ought to prepare for the worst, I do not think the King party will take any further steps at present, but still they will be on the look out for the slightest pretext to make a raid and commit fresh murders. I believe a strictly defensive policy with a determination of pushing on road works, and a hint that the next aggressive steps taken by them will be met with the loss of Kawhia will be a great check on their murderous acts, of course the latter portion of my views should not be put into execution until the Government had made up its mind to enter into a war with them if an amicable arrangement could not be come to, without such an extreme measure. I believe and always have done, since the death of W. Thompson, that we should have to fight the King before the peace of the country would be established. In the event of a war it would I think be advisable for economy's sake to seek and obtain the co-operation of certain native tribes, the Ngatiporou and others with a promise that they should receive one half the territory confiscated or in lieu a certain sum of money -- and that the autumn should be the season chosen for making the attack, after the natives have gathered their crops, which would save great expense in furnishing a commissariat. The Ngapuhi would not do to employ, as I believe their advent in Waikato would furnish an excuse to many of the shaky friendlies to join the rebels. The murder of Purukutu in one sense has not been without its good. It has taught a body of natives (those who have participated in leases etc.) that they must stick to us if they desire to hold possession of their properties, and derive any benefit from them. You will I know excuse the liberty I have taken in writing the above. The European said to be implicated in the murder of Mr. Whitely at White Cliffs is the brother of a man residing here called Philip who is an old pakeha maori formerly resident at Kawhia. Kereopa also told me that Te Raihi and about 30 of his following were going to take up their abode between Otewa and Te Kuiti; Otewa is about 15 miles from Wharepapa, and about 20 from Kihikihi. I cannot believe this Mr. Mackay however will be able to substantiate or contradict this. Thank you for appointing Wetini, his appointment appears to give general satisfaction to all except a few of Hetaraka's relations who were always a little jealous of Tainui. Hoping this letter will reach you in good health, I am My dear Sir Yours very faithfully R.J. BUSH