N.S.O. Auckland, Mar.27/60. My dear McLean, I find that Dillon Bell is going down in the Airedale so that you will get all the news from him. I send you a copy of the main document I spoke of last night. I propose to send a copy to Archdn. Maunsell with a letter from this office inviting explanation. I think it might be suggested to him that a letter addressed to the Editor of the Maori explaining his meaning or what he intended to say at the meeting would have a good effect in setting matters right as there cannot be of course a shadow of doubt that Mr. M. intended nothing disloyal and that his motive in saying what he did was a good one. Old Eruera Patuone has come over to have a chat about Taranaki matters - he said, on hearing that the natives in the pa, before being fired on had refused to receive a letter sent to them 'Heoi, ka he ano a Wiremu Kingi'. I have suggested his writing to the Governor in reply to the letter sent to him and he is now engaged in doing so. I will get his letter translated and forward it. I am much disappointed in not getting out the ''Messenger'' today - but the N.Z. Office is so 'strong' with work - all was in their hands on Friday night - but there has been a press of Govt. work and just now a Gazette to get out 'all in five minutes' so Native Dept. must go to the wall. I will have another try, however, and may yet be able to send a copy by the steamer which I hear does not leave till noon tomorrow. We have got together sufficient information with reference to the Hawke's Bay purchases to secure their passing on your getting credit for the amt. expended as per accounts forwarded. I have seen Richmond about them today and he promises to go into the matter in a day or two. I have directed Friend to make out a list of such items in your accounts as require further explanation, tho' you will hardly thank me for bothering you with such matters at this time the fact is I am afraid of you being pushed at the last. I have been at Friend constantly to get everything in as forward a state as possible. Again Adieu I wrote to the Govr. by the Niger and poster a letter today for him which I hoped to have got on board at the last but failed. I do not like bothering him with letters unless there is some necessity for writing. What news there is I mention to you which I presume is the same thing. But it is getting dark I can scarcely see. Every truly yours, Thos. H. Smith.