Waitangi Chatham Islands 1 July 1868. My dear Sir, I have lately had to separate Te Koti Rihirangi one of the Prisoners from Poverty Bay who arrived here with the batch on the 15th. June 1866 from the main body of them, owing to my having detected an introduction by him under the subterfuge of holding service amongst the Prisoners according to the faith of the Church of England, of practises tinged with Hau hau superstition. This man received my permission to hold services some time back, and has continued to so so at my sanction. With the exception of a few of the Prisoners, I find that he has exercised considerable influence over them. I believe that his main object has been to promote his own interests and that he has been the recipient of money handed over to him by the Prisoners from their earnings. Horomona Tutahi, Pehimana Taihuka and Wirihana Tupeka who have been allowed to return to New Zealand, I now find have been instructed by Te Koti to conceal these practices until the whole of the Prisoners have returned and Pehimana was told by Te Koti to "pikare te whenua" in a direct line to Wharehouri as soon as he landed. These practices were stoutly denied by the main body of the Prisoners, but I am quite satisfied by impartial evidence that they have been carried on. The evidence was imparted to me by some of the Prisoners as well as by Natives of the Island who were eye witnesses. I am of course reporting these circumstances to the Government and think it right you should be made aware of them. I am keeping Te Koti under close surveillance and shall continue to do so unless otherwise instructed. Please acknowledge the receipt of this letter. Believe me My dear Sir, Yours very truly, W.E. Thomas R.M. His Honour Donald McLean esg.