write you what I think. I consider his attack on you quite unjustifiable. Fox writes me that he and all your colleagues refused to entertain Featherstons claim, but seems to think Kemp went beyond your Instructions in what he did - That I know nothing of but it is likely enough, the work of men in responsible positions in this country is difficult on acct. of the wretched tools they have to work with - they cannot most of them ever carry out definite instructions - It is this that makes work so hard to the Heads of Departments. I have sent you officially all my news of Ropata's doings I tried hard to stop Ngatiporou coming down to Wakroa but it was no good they could not do without their drunk but I hope it is over and they off again - they were to leave Wairoa on the 16th - Ropata has made a mess in his promise to Ngatihuri "that men of crimes willingly surrendering shd. be safe" I wonder Kooti himself does not take advantage of it - I am afraid Ngatihuri are playing a false game and deceiving Ropata I heard last night from Clarke that they were, and I believe it from other evidence.