Private. Taranaki July 23/60. My dear Sir, You will fully understand the peculiarities of our position from others and need not any information from me. But there is one particular on which perhaps I ought to say a few words. I am decidedly of opinion that the number of Natives us is suffiently large; that the number us should by all means be taken care of and made the most of; and if it were possible, by all honourable methods the number of the former should be lessened by bringing any of them over to the latter. I think we the friendship and help of every Maori we can get. I am therefore sorry to learn that in giving out ratins for the friendly natives, the number is restricted to 100 so that not only is dissatisfaction produced but the feeling is excited in the minds of some that their friendship is not valued and that their services are not needed, or appreciated. I am aware of the consideration of expense but I think there should be no distinction no difference, , otherwise we shall be suspected of partiality. If rations are provided for 100, such also should be the case for all; and if any have friends among the rebels whom they could induce to come over to our side they should be allowed to do so and on satisfactory proof of their fidelity provisions should also be made for them. Pardon my interference in this matter - it is not for the sake of the natives, but as I have said I feel the friendship and services of all the natives we can possibly secure in fidelity to our cause. I am Dr Sir Yours truly J. Whiteley.