Waiuku, March 16th. My dear Sir, The Katipa still lingers on, he is a very skeleton, not able to eat or move I go to see him each day, expecting it to be a last, he cannot last much longer, in fact I am continually listening to hear the Guns firing to announce his death, Heta who died at Awhitu last Saturday was brought here last Thursday (I mean to Maraeirohia) where the Katipa is lingering out his last moments Heta was buried today and certainly not before it was necessary judging by the tainted air. Tamati Ngapora and Aihepene arrived back from Ngaruawahia yesterday (Friday) I do not know what their opinions were before they went, but if they were favourable to the Govt. I very much fear, that instead of converting, they have themselves been converted by the King's party. Under existing circumstances I am quite unable to do anything towards settling the Land question, but must quietly bide my time till the Katipa leaves this world for a better I forgot to tell you that he recognises me whenever I go to see him, his eyes brighten up and he makes a noise trying to talk and it sounds to me very much as if he were asking for money. Quantities of wheat etc. are pouring into Waiuku from the Ngatihaua, and Waipa Natives to purchase supplies of clothing preparatory for the Winter campaign and also taking away large sums of money with which to purchase Powder etc. at Tauranga they inform me that as soon as they have got their crops in Wheat Potatoes etc., the whole of the Rangiawhia Natives headed by Te Taati (son of Kingi Hori and a brother in law of a correspondent of yours Reihana te Huatari) and also all the Waipa Natives will proceed to Taranaki, this is what the Natives tell me, I do not guarantee the truth of it, but it likely enough. I am, Very truly yours, Will N. Searancke. D. McLean, Esqre. Auckland.