movements of the Natives in all other parts of the country --- It would be a sad mistake indeed of the Colonists being at a distance from New Plymouth to suppose that any outbreak here would be confined in its consequences to this place. The fire once kindled would so rage that Auckland and Wellington could not escape its ravages; and I believe the Middle Island would most likely receive a scorching ere it became extinguished --- On the other hand pacify the Natives by righteous protection and a peace so established would spread its beneficial affects to every portion of the Colony --- I feel very anxious that you should get your letters early that go by this mail, and I have therefore written to Mr. Woon to request him to forward them to you with all despatch. I believe your presence here at this time will be of incalculable service and could you so arrange matters as to postpone your business in the South until after your visit to this place would advise your proceeding here with all despatch. The purchase of land has long been looked on me as a means to the end I have before referred to and that end now appears to me may be worked out by a more expeditious road than the negotiating land sales --- Could we establish our laws, the settling of the land question would speedily follow --- Every day brings fresh proof of the desire of the Natives for the establishment of a strong, firm Government over them; and I trust the time is not distant when we shall see such an one established. I should have written you before but knew not where to direct and did not think it worth while to send you letters which might have to make the circuit of the island and then perhaps find you at the dwelling place of the writer --- The present quarrel of the natives seems to far to present a new feature inasmuch as though lives were lost enough to be considered by Maori usage sufficient utu, as