Manawatu River, Octr. 3rd, 1860. Donald Maclean Esq. My dear Sir, Enclosed is a letter written by Ihakara for publication in the Kariri Maori. You will perceive it is an answer to articles that lately appeared in the Independent and Spectator Newspapers, charging him with untruth and otherwise aspersing his character - Such attacks on his character having been made so public, Ihakara is desirous that equal publicity should be given to his defence and he has therefore sent another copy of the enclosed letter to the Wellington Advertiser. He would have written to you but for his having to go to a ''Tangi hanga''. Mr. Searancke is here collecting evidence relative to the origin of the Otaki Petition and Mr. Turton is daily expected - Whatever may be the result of these labors and investigations among the Natives who are so unaccountably held in subjection by The Archdeacon - there is but one opinion entertained by nearly all classes of Europeans on this coast as to the Petition having originated with Mr. Hadfield and that great evil resulted from it. It may be a difficult matter to prove this, but Settlers, like myself, who are in constant communication with Natives from all parts of the coast know that it is by advice of this kind that an almost despotic sway has been acquired over them. I wrote two letters to yourself and His Excellency some time since respecting my little claim here and enclosed a sketch of the land drawn by Mr.Stewart and attested to by Mr. Searancke. I have not as yet received a reply to either. I trust the letters with enclosure have not miscarried. I remain, My dear Sir, Yours very truly, Thomas Cook.