Hawkes Bay May 17th 1864 My dear McLean We were disappointed in not seeing you back by the Rangatira, but under all circumstances perhaps you may serve the province better just at this moment in Auckland. Your letter of the 13th inst. has my attention, and you will gather from the contents of this that there is some need for all your exertions in Auckland, in order to procure us some reinforcement; even if only a small number. I believe the time has arrived for us to make some demonstration as a preventive measure against those evils that we may otherwise drift into - War, once commenced, the first shot fired, or the first murder committed in whatever remote part of this province, will spread sad havoc and destruction throughout its length and breadth. The preventive measures I mean should be taken to preserve the peace as just placing 200 or 300 men at the most commanding position on our northern frontier. We have barely sufficient men here now to ensure the safety of the main centres of population - I enclose you a memorandum drawn up by Mr. Locke which will give you the latest native information; as also a letter from Mr. Parson of Pohui which I received but this morning I have just concluded an interview with the Rev. Saml. Williams and Major Whitmore to try and sift a few of the numerous and somewhat contradictory, although alarming reports that are current here - Mr. Williams has just returned from a northern journey and of course as in duty bound speaks in mild terms of his native flock, and generally thinks there is no immediate signs of a rising to the northward; but thinks that Paora Toki is at Pohui, and saw a number of the natives who left this Province with him at Petae on Sunday last - My information from Mr. Biggs Towgood and others is "that Toki was actually at Peteni at the same time, but kept out of Mr. Williams' sight. Mano states the same thing; and Henry Mr. Biggs Maori sawyer says the Uriweras were mustering at Harota. Some other similar reports have reached me not so trustworthy. The troops under Capt. Vivian march for Waipawa tomorrow and take three days over it the second night at Homewood - Contracts are out and meat taken at a high price 9d but I should instruct Mr Tylee to give 3 months notice to terminate the same. The hurried method in which this was done was the cause - I have sent out to the northward for sure information; and in meantime have informed Major Whitmore of any thing of importance connected with the safety of the province which came to my ears - The Steamer starts an hour or two after arrival in fact I have no time to write more now or may lose the mail so must conclude this-hurried letter. Yours faithfully Joseph Rhodes Donald McLean Esq. Auckland Super. H. Bay