have an Ordinance whereby the natives are prevented from disposing of their lands but to the Government: should we not then protect those who are willing to sell from the armed dictation of those who object to do so? And may we not fairly expect that if we do so protect them that the number of well affected natives will greatly increase so that the British law will move quickly be looked on by them as their best safeguard? I fear that you will consider me tedious on this matter, especially as I know how sensitively alive you are to the subject; but feeling as I do how momentous is the present crisis I believe you forgive my prolixity. Mr. Turton informs me that we may expect to see you soon, and as I may not have an opportunity of doing so immediately on your arrival allow me now to express the wishes of my better half in which I need not say how cordially I write that we may have the pleasure of entertaining you as our guest so long as you can make any use of our humble home. You know we cannot promise you more than a hearty welcome. Pray accept the kind regards and best wishes for your welfare from each of my family and believe me to be, my dear Sir Yours ever fthfly Josiah Flight D. McLean Esqr. J. P. etc. etc. Auckland (20th) I forgot yesterday to tell you that reports are in general circulation that the Bishop is endeavouring to patch up a kind of hollow peace between the contending parties of Natives and that he has even gone so far as to propose that Katatori and his people should be left alone and that Aramakaraka's party should retire from where they are. The Bishop's party are certainly endeavouring to get up a party to damage Mr. Turton in the eyes of the people but in this as well as their other proceedings they must fail --- "Truth is great and must prevail" and Mr. Turton has it on his side. We must not however shut our eyes or ears to the attempts that will be made to settle this matter as a question. The drunkenness that prevails amongst the Maoris is truly awful to witness. W. King and Katatori are continually in such a state. It is quite time that some steps were taken to put a stop to this horrible state of things. J.F.