New Plymouth Jan 16/70 My dear Sir, The first of Cobb's coaches arrived last Thursday evening Mr. Fox came here with it. The second coach arrived last evening and leaves again tomorrow, Mr. Fox returns by it. Mr. Gisborne on seeing the absolute necessity of the Ford being made across the Waingongoro to enable the Coach to come through gave me written instructions to engage the Natives to do the work and open the road beyond so far as Hawera. When at Patea Mr. Gisborne to Major Noake of the orders he had given to have that part of the road opened. After Mr. Gisborne left Patea, Major Noake spoke to me about it, and said ''his rule was not to allow any Native to go into the bush.'' I said nothing in reply, but I instructed the Natives not to go into the bush. The natives went cheerfully to the work without knowing what they were to get for it, and without my knowledge, or Carrington's that they were going to do so, they went to the Waikhi Camp and borrowed a few old cast off tents, which Mr. Goring the Officer in charge lent them, stating at the same time that they were no good. On Major Noake hearing of it he ordered the tents to be taken from the Natives immediately, upon which the Natives struck work and returned to Oeo -- Hone Pihama wrote to Mr. Fox complaining about it, but Mr. Fox has said nothing to me about it but has been O. Carrington this morning and alluded to his instructions to me that I was not to interfere with anything south of Waingongoro and said that Major Noake was right -- I am sorry the Natives asked for the tents, and in carrying out Mr. Gisbornes instructions I thought I was only doing my duty. These manifestations of jealousy and opposition in carrying out the public service, are very painful, for I had hoped there would be no more of it. There is no Native news all is quiet -- I have to go to Whanganui next week for the election. Mr. Fox is anxious for me to go to Mokau. Yours Every faithfully, R. Parris.