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English
March 21st. 1865. My dear Sir I have forwarded all the letters and circulars you sent by Mr. Hamlin, and have enclosed a Report of this district which is very brief for the reasons mentioned in it. I must say for all I can gather that unless something be done to prevent the Hau Haus from returning by this route that I am fearful the consequences will be very disastrous I have had a good deal of conversation with Mr. Hamlin and he will be able to tell you much more about the matter than I can well put in a paper but I think you will find he agrees with me in most things. Before the steamer arrived I was very much alarmed for the fate of this place not so much on the account of the few fanatics who arrived here doing any damage further than inciting others to join them but from those who are at Tauranga, and I think that if steps are taken such as I venture to advise in my report, that they will not show their faces here at all. I must remark here that the friendly natives want rousing a little they are much too apathetic and nothing will do it more than showing that we are willing and able to assist them in all their endeavours. As I know so little at present about the different tribes here I of course shall be guided by the advice of Te Kopu in a great measure in what I do with regard to the army. I sent my brother yesterday to Mohaka with the despach for Mr. Pearce and will take the first opportunity of going there myself but at present I do not like leaving this place, till things are in a more settled position. With regard to the European population I should look upon these as worse than useless in case of any attack being made, as they are with a few exceptions the most worthless drunken set I ever saw. I should be extremely obliged if you could let me have a European Policeman with as little delay as possible to give me a chance of trying to check this dangerous habit of intoicating so prevalent here among both races and if you would give me authority to shut up any of the Public Houses when caught infringing the law in this matter it would be of great service. I think more strongly upon this subject from knowing the great danger that may from any colision between Maori and Europeans when in a drunken state. Te Kopus people have for the most part of them gone to Mohaka, I expect them to return today when I shall distribute the arms according to your instructions. I think it would be advisable to send down a few revolvers and rifles or breach loading carbines the first opportunity. I trust you will not think it rude of me advising you in these matters, but as you asked me to communicate with you freely and unreservedly I have done so. As soon as Mr. Locke returns from Mohaka I shall send you word of anything fresh transpires and will write by next mail. I am My dear Sir Faithfully yours S. Deighton. P.S. I forgot to mention that my Brother and family are living with me here keeping house for me, and if you would not think it importunate of me we should take it as a great favour if you could get anything for him to do under Govt. I will answer for it that anything you may be kind enough to employ him in will be done to the very best of his ability. S. Deighton. To:-- D. McLean Esqe. Superintendent etc.etc.etc. Napier