and to leave the discussion of matters to the discretion of the Government. Mair is (I gather from a private letter from him) very sanguine that a better state of things - and a better understanding with the Waikato party will be the result. All our friends (Maori) in the Waikato are of the same opinion - It is necessary for the Waikatos to consider their position. The pacific policy of the Government is fast detaching the independent tribes who were, if not active supporters, warm sympathizers of the Waikato party - the defection of the