Private. Castle Point, 12th Feby. 1868 Dear Sir, Since I left Te Ahuriri I have been to Wellington obtained the Papers Deeds etc. of this District and have carefully looked thro them (some deeds missing) I did not see many natives on my way to W. not being prepared to enter into any discussion with them, on my return I have made a point of calling at every settlement but in all cases found the principal Chiefs or leading men had left for the Ahuriri, as usual I found them complaining of your long absence etc. etc.-their great anxiety to sell their waste lands etc.-and I think to sell a second time what they had previously sold, but when I attempted to enter into particulars was coolly told that ''Te Makarini'' was coming, and that he was the man I am sure My dear, Sir. I need hardly say how with this feeling I did not attempt to raise any argument leaving it to you on your arrival in Wairarapa to do away with a feeling which can only tend to render me perfectly powerless I am very far from thinking myself equal to cope with their natural native deceit but with their additional power of referring to you from my offers or decision I must candidly say that I feel hopeless and can only see in the constantly arising disputes myself as a scapegoat and finally a sacrifice to them. Under these circumstances I determined to leave for the present the District untill your arrival as I really believe that you are the only person able from your knowledge of particulars to complete the settlement of most of the disputes now pending, and which I think now depend more on your remembrance than the Deed those purchases excepted which were made in Wellington and which from the money paid, being in most instances then and there spent the other proprietors not present did not receive any portion and now dispute the sale or alienation of the lands; as regards the reserves I do not think there will be much trouble beyond the time taken up in talking, the natives to be reasonalbe at the same time from their being so hard up for money they seem quite prepared to dispute any thing which holds out a prospect of payment. I did not see Te Manihera, but from what I hear there appears to be a very strong opposition to him got up by Ngatuere and others. Wi Kingi appears also to be much lowered in public opinion being a constant attendant at the Public House. On the whole the absence of some, in fact, the majority of the leading natives of this District has lead me to believe that at least it would be injudicious to do more than listen to what they, the remnant, have to say as regards either disputes or new sales of Land - at least untill your arrival which I trust will not now be long delayed. I suppose you have been informed of the Murder of Katatori and two others by Ihaia and his friends, way-laid on the high road, dragged off their Horses and coolly knocked on the head I have not heard anything more than rumour since the murder which says that Ihaia and friends are shut up in their Pa by an overwhelming number of Katatori's friends who are determined on revenge which means in Maori parlance, the killing cooking and eating of Ihaia and his adherents. Another rumour I heard from some parties who came from Wellington was that information had been received that His Excellency and Colonel Wynyard were expecting in Wellington last week in the ''Iris'' Brig the truth of this I do not vouch for. I called at Captain Smiths but was much disappointed at not seeing him as it is almost an impossibility to know what is surveyed and what is not untill I have seen him, I have seen most of the Settlers now in the District and observe a general feeling of discontent as regards the Land Question generally more particularly alluding to the land Dept. they complain that nothing is settled or defined, that deferring the disputes has considerably complicated questions originally simple and easy of adjustment. I mention this that you may know the existing feeling and not mistake their hospitality etc. for content and good will - I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Strang and your little boy several times. Mr. S. is looking as well and hearty as ever, your little boy is a very fine and handsome I child appears to be growing very fast and healthy withal, I have a letter from him for you and but will not forward it for fear of its missing you on the Road I also met Mr. Park several times, he offerred me any assistance in his power. It will be a matter of consideration for you, how far it will be advisable to employ temporary assistance in Surveying in this District. I rather differ myself from you in opinion in this matter believing that the District Surveyor who is best aware of localities also of the boundaries of Lands surveyed is the most fit and proper person to carry on the Surveys in preference to a perfect stranger, his also being known by the Natives is a great advantage. You will pardon my mentioning all these subjects with my trifling experience but I feel great anxiety which must be my best apology. With every respect, I am, Dr. Sir, Yours sincerely and obliged, Will N. Searancke. D. MacLean Esqre. Te Ahuriri or elsewhere.