Wangarei >7 August /61 My dear Smith, I have received Paora Kaitangata's letter, together with the memo, by Sir Osborne Gibbs, and will enquire into the matter at the earliest opportunity. Pohi is with me, likewise Manihera. We expect Tirarau, and Paora te Amohau tomorrow, if fine, and hope to be more successful than with the eventful powder case. The "Miranda" put back on the 5th. owing to stormy weather, and got out yesterday morning under sail and steam, so look out, or rather prepare His Excellency for a hostile encounter with Cap. Glyn for having sent him on an expedition which he now considers beneath his dignity. If I understand the matter rightly Cap. Glyn came here voluntarily in his own ship and should not complain because the bird has flown to another locality where it would be an easy matter, to follow and capture her. On Monday morning, hoping that Cap. Glyn had become a little composed, I went on board and volunteered my services, should he be disposed to go after the Maria, but no sooner had I made the object of my visit known that he became indignant and positively refused to trouble himself further in the matter I there fore wrote a short note to you in his cabin, and gladly left the ship where I had previously received much hoppitality and kindness. I regret exceedingly the result of this affair and can only hope that the Govt. will yet succeed in searching the Maria before she reaches Maketu in the Bay of Plenty, which as you are aware is a disaffected district. The schooner "Mavis" reports having seen the "Maria" on Sunday last in little Omaha, near Point Rodney where she most likely ran for shelter as the weather was stormy, cold and wet. The "Petrel" leaves tomorrow morning for Auckland. The master has promised me to look in at little Omaha and also at Mahurangi, weather permitting, and report the result to you. Mr. Auberg would very much like to go after the Maria in his capacity as Custom House officer - the only question with him is this, would the Govt. pay expenses. Faithfully yours, H. Halse.