() Napier October 23rd. 1869. My dear Mr. McLean, I am going to take a liberty in writing about those three Poverty Bay natives, who were tried for treason the other day. I could not bring myself to think that there could be any idea of trying these men for treason, (the consequences of which crime, if found guilty, being that they should be hung, drawn, and quartered), upon the simple charge of bearing arms against the Government; and when I found that they were convicted, and sentenced, I supposed that it must have come out on the trial that they were concerned in the murders. It appears, however, that the only charge against them was that they bore arms under Te Kooti. It was well known that Kooti would not trust any nattives of Poverty Bay upon the murderous expedition, lest they should sympathise with their old friends. Hetariki Te Oikau, moreover, deserted from Kooti at Ngatapa; and gave himself up at Turanganui. The natives who committed the murder were natives of Wairoa and Ruatahuma. I trust that you will use your influence with the Governor to have the sentence of these men commuted at once, unless in any ease they were concerned in the murders. You seen to have inaugurated a new policy, and your own individual influence is undoubtedly telling upon the native population. There is every hope that with God's blessing, the power of Kooti will be entirely rooted out. Do not let your Ministry be stained by any act which you may hereafter have to grieve over. May God direct you in this, and in every other act of the Government. Believe me, Most faithfully yours, (Signed) W. Waiapu. To:- D. McLean Esq.