New Plymouth, Nov. 28, 1859. My Dear Sir, I was hoping to hear from you by the last Mail but having been disappointed, I fear you are not sufficiently recovered from your attack of illness to write. I sincerely hope your health may soon be restored, for when the head of a Department is disabled the whole gets faint and every branch deems disordered. I wish you were at head quarters instead of at Wellington. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the day fixed for paying Teira an instalment for his land. Wm. King and his people are in a state of great confusion, there is a division among them respecting the King question, some of them want to erect a Flag staff for the Maori Kings Flag, but Wm, King professes to be violently opposed, whether it is diplomacy on his part, or whether his manifestations are real, I am not certain, but he says if the Flag Staff is erected, he will cut it down, this will prove him, for I have been told privately, that if he cufs it down the opposition will then join Teira but Teira says he will have nothing to do with them because the land belongs to he and his supporters - however if such a favourable chance took place I will endeavour to reconcile Teira to them. Wm. King has for a long time been threatening to return to Waikanae but I fear it is to good to be realized. I assure you Mr. McLean this matter gives me great anxiety of mind, least we should have a repetition of Rawiri ma's massacre. The justice of Teira and others claims emboldens them to propositions which I find it necessary to restrain, lest evil should come of it. The Governor is expected to call in here in the Niger, on his way to Nelson in a day or so. I will again next week and let you know what transpires during the week. With sincere wishes for the restoration of your health. Believe me My dear Sir, Yours Truly and respectfully, Robert Parris.