Parnell, Auckland 20 June 1870 My dear McClean When I last saw you I understood you to say that the Govt. were disposed to deal with applications from Natives in a just and generous spirit. The Natives who visit Auckland, from old habit, every now and then, bring me their troubles, and I find it difficult to avoid giving them friendly aid, as far as I can, wh. is little more than advice. Two cases wh. have come under my notice I have taken the liberty to refer to you through Mr. Henry Kemp, who wishes me, in addition to my personal communication to him, to write to you on the subject. 1. The letter written by Hamiora Rangituatea, at my suggestion, is in reference to compensation for cows killed during the war by the troops (18th Regt.) while stationed at Pukorokoro. Before the war commenced, from informatn. derived from Europeans who wished to purchase the cattle, and from having visited the place I can say that there was a large herd of cattle running there. Mr. Kemp has promised to refer Hamiora's letter to Mr. Beckham for his report thereon, to state what award he made when he investigated the claims of Hamiora and the others whose names are given. All the applicants were well disposed to the Govt. Hamiora being an Assessor. 2. Is a long letter from Hetaraka Takapuna. He is an old man, older than Pahata was. I should think about 65. I have known him for many years as a well disposed man, residing at Taupo with Ngatipaoa. Formerly he was a Native teacher. His is a land grievance. He is the living representative of a once powerful tribe, who resided on the lands about Auckland. I went into his case some years ago, and was of opinion that he had been unfairly dealt with: So much so that I desired Rogan when about to pay gatiwhatua some money for land to wh. he had a claim to take care when he paid the money to say that I hoped they would not forget Hetaraka; whereon they gave Rogan £100 for him. When the title of Orakei was before the Land Court he failed to satisfy Fenton that his claim to it was good. It appears that Ngatiwhatua while opposing any claim of his to Orakei voluntarily referred in Court to lands on the north side of the Harbour as Hetaraka's lands. But those lands had been sold by some of themselves and by Te Urikaraka to the Govt. On the strength of this evidence he tells me it is suggested to him by De Thierry and Macky, who were his advocates at the Orakei trial, that he has a good claim for compensatn. against the Govt. On hearing this I have dissuaded him from having recourse again to Law: but rather to state his case to you, and trust to the kindly consideration of the Government. I mentioned to Kemp that I thought that the Govt. would best consult Hetaraka's welfare by granting him a pension. You will, I feel sure, agree with me that the existence of reasonable grievances is ever hurtful to the action of Government officers in meeting new difficulties whenever they arise. I fear I have already trespassed too much on your valuable time. I am, my dear McClean, Yours faithfully, Edwd. Shortland