the influential chiefs Mr. Gillies refers to and their connection with Manuwhiri whose aim appears to be to place the Governor in the estimation of the Natives in a subordinate position to his nephew Tawhiao. I regret very much that your patience has been taxed so much but I can assure you it is only trifling in degree compared to what former Governors and officials have had to experience in dealing with Native matters. The plan I had laid out in the event of the Waikatos coming to terms was to have a body of influential chiefs to come up with you and to have a demonstration that would impress