that we have never caught the big Rebel, whether Hone Heke, Wm. King,Topini, Titiko, or whoever it might be, but the wars in each case have subsided and left the leader in the background. Except Kooti, who is there that we are likely to quarrell with? and if he is really done, all our trouble is over. Of course there are years' work in the way of administration road making, etc. which will demand all your time and knowledge, but the present disturbance is really over I do not anticipate ever seeing another. I have seen Tatiroa and the Pakakoes. They are all in first rate health, and usefully employed and have nothing to complain of. I hear from Buller that our Wanganui allies are going to ask or have asked for their liberation. If this is so, it may be made the lever for settling all land questions on West Coast. I would have no objection to their returning to Wanganui river if the natives there would be bail for them and give them land (there number is small) in return for their surrendering all rights tribal, individual and by way of Reserve in the district from Wanganui to Waingongoro. I beleive they can easily be induced to do this and would jump at it as the price of their liberation. The Waitotara rumpus you would see assumed very alarming proportions; but I think has now entirely subsided. It makes it quite clear to me that the Natives must be kept out of the District if our restoration plans are to succeed and collisions to be avoided. No doubt