Private. New Plymouth October 30, 1860 My Dear Sir, The first party of Waikatos have arrived., and strange to say they arrived at Huicangi the very day you named in your private letter, the 18th. instant (He Poropiti Koe). You will see by my official report that they mean mischief, their language is most violent, but of course considerable deduction must be made for Maori bounce. I exceedingly regret having had to lodge a complaint agaist my friend Paul, but I considered it much better to do it in that way, than to disgrace myself in the public Streets. Colonel Carey told me this morning, that the matter was to be taken up, and that Paul would not be allowed to interfere with me in the performance of my duties, which ever since you left he has done his best to thwart me in. He still encourages that unprincipled fellow Bishop to take reports to the Brigade Office, affecting Natives. After the Kaihihi expedition Paul industriously circulated a report that I wrote a letter to the rebels, telling them to leave their Pas otherwise they would be blown up. Now Sir I take it to be the extreme of cowardice for a man like Paul, who keeps within the trenches himself, to fabricate malicious reports against those who in the performance of their field duties have to be exposed to considerable danger, as I was during the expedition. I can only account for Pauls attack on me that evening for the following reason. On Friday night last about 11 oclock I went to the Generals and reported the Fires at the Bell Block, when Col. Carey asked me to go with him to the Barracks, to see if we could get any information, on reaching the Flag Staff, there was one Sentry, but no report, or notice whatever taken of the Fires. There was not an officer near and we were there 3/4 of an hour before they came. Both the General and Col. Carey were very much vexed and said twas disgraceful that no notice had been taken or report made of the Fires, which were illuminating the district, and that a civilian was the first to come and report it (meaning myself). I consider the last expedition the best thing that has been done next to the Waireka. Major General Pratt showed a determination worthy of a Commander regardless of self-preservation. With kind respects, I am Dear Sir, Yours most Respectfully, Robert Parris. P.S. I have requested Watt to mention several matters to you. Carrington asked me to write about his pay. I have advanced him some on a/c.