The Club Napier 4th April 1872 Honble Donald McLean Dear Sir, Te Hapuku has detailed to me in presence of Tamati of Wairarapa the conversation which passed between you and him today on various subjects - his lands, his debts and the communication with Hart and Buckley in regard to law proceedings now being carried on under his alleged sanction, and at his expense. He also informed me that some document was today made out by your directions to be sent to Hart and Buckley but that he did not sign his name to it, nor did he understand its contents. The case before the Supreme Court was adjourned till tomorrow when there will be again conflicting documents from Te Hapuku produced in Court. I submit that these expensive law proceedings are wholly unjustifiable and unnecessary. The Hapuku has been for some time in a position to discharge all his just and lawful debts, and neither Bankruptcy nor Trust Deeds are necessary now. He wishes to settle all his debts himself and to dispense with Protectors of any kind, as he has intelligent native friends in Tamati and Henare Matua whom he has consulted on the subject with regard to claims or accounts disputed by him he can always get legal advice. I would propose that you meet me and Hapuku with Tamati of Wairarapa sometime tomorrow forenoon (Friday) when I hope some agreement to terminate, or at least to suspend the present legal proceedings may be arrived at. The continuance of them is merely to injure Hapuku without any beneficial result. Be so good as send an answer to the club as early as possible. I am Dear Sir, Yours truly, H. R. Russell