25th April 1860 Rangitikei My dear Sir, The small quantity of paper at hand must be my apology for this half sheet of Paper, everything here is at length pretty quiet, tho we have been at one time both blacks and whites rather excited, I was much amused by a Sermon preached at Pariwanui by Hamuera in which the fellow had the impudence to liken His Ex. and yourself to the two thieves who were hung on either hand of Our Saviour. I was not present but was told by the Maories that he gave you plenty of abuse. I shall be glad to get a line from yourself at your leisure as I am quite at a loss what to do whether to go on as usual or keep back for the present any land negociations. My private opinion is these natives down here and in the Wairarapa would rise in a moment if the King question is brought into the disputes. I forget whether I told you that during the last two years upwards of two tons of Gunpowder has been sold in this District alone and one hundred guns, and I have reason to believe that both arms and ammunition have been sold since the proclamation but as to proving it, it is an impossibility, I wonder that people are not compelled under a penalty to register their arms etc. this would be a check on the sale; the Wanganui people are very warlike, quite a contrast to Wellington Turton has I fear left a rather bad impression from the shortness of his temper with natives. I saw him on his arrival in Wellington for a few minutes, he did not appear to wish to see me, so I I left him. It strikes me he has grown too big for his coat, he also conveyed to the Europeans at Whanganui the impression that he was coming to supersede me here in the District. If I/can again be of any assistance in any way at Taranaki, I shall be most happy to place my services at His Ex's disposal, I certainly should like to have a hand in the mess there. ever my dear Sir, your's very truly in haste Will N. Searancke D. McLean Esqre.