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English
Napier March 20th. 1872. Dear Sir, The crops this year produced by the Natives I am told by Karaitiana are very good indeed particularly wheat which appears to have been grown a good deal. Messrs. Hy. and .P. Russell are in Town with Hapuku. Mr. H.R. called on me yesterday with Hapuku and Henare Matua and wanted me to explain my reasons for passing conveyance in favor of Mr. Kinross respecting Raukawa. I told him that I did not feel called upon to explain my reasons to him but at the right time I could account for my conduct to the Government or the Assembly. After this quiet rebuke he left the Office. He is using my passing the Deed as an argument with old Hapuku to shew that he is afraid of Hapuku's and that I am not. Perhaps a friendly letter from you to Hapuku at the present time would have a good effect? Mr. Hy. Russell searched your title to the Ngatarawa Blks. yesterday - for what purpose I do not know. Perhaps in connection with the present proceedings in Bankruptcy against Hapuku. He told me he did not wish to interfere with any one but to protect his own interests. This of course must be taken cum grano salis. It is said that Mr. Hy. Russell intends to apply for leave to go to England for two years shortly after the ensuing session takes place. I do not know however whether there is any truth in the report. The Land Transfer system is now beginning to work very satisfactorily altho' I meet with very great opposition from Mr. Wilson. I have had to have sharp passages with him lately to the end that the Transfer Act may work as well as possible. I will write you again by the Rangatira if there is any news meanwhile. I am Yours obediently, Hanson Turton.