Turanga 25 Augt. 1866 D. McLean Esqre. My dear Sir, Yours of 11 Inst. to hand I am glad to hear you have such good hopes of our obtaining annexation to your Province. Rui returned here and has I hear gone North. It is reported that when in Wellington it is reported he obtained from Mr. Whittaker the appointment of Scab Inspector here for Mr. Thos. vren of Makaraka. You know him of course, and you are doubtless aware he , at the instigation of Rice and W. S. Grene (his brother in law) and erased his signature from the Petition some days after he had signed it. This is evidently payment for vrens abandonment of our side after twice agreeing with the rest of our Settlers (you will find his name in the former one). I must say politics apart this (if true) is a most injudicious appointment. The party can know nothing whatever aboutscab, has not the slightest experience and moreover is likely from his antecedents which are none of the best, to exercise his duties in an arbitrary manner. I admit a scab inspector is much needed in Turanga but surely there were others here far better fitted for the situation I do not mean myself, as I assure you I would not have accepted it. I think also the law should not be enforced till after October next. It is through no fault of our settlers that their flocks are infected, the Natives brought diseased sheep from Waiapu these in consequence of the outbreak became mixed with the flocks scattered far and wide at Makaraka and in that quarter. Let them shear early and dress, and then enforce the penalty on both Native and European if the flocks are not kept clean. I note. The force at Waerengaa hika are accused of "fireing on a flag of truce" How absurd I suppose the Natives concerned know all about it, they tell me, there were three distinct parties sent out to attack under Hau Hau flags which are simply strips of white calico with a red or blk X and perhaps a couple oC C in the corner the first party was nearly destroyed the second broke but lost some men. The third seeing their friends so roughly handled did not advance, so much for the flag of truce. I was glad to see the rap you gave that confirmed meddler Graham. We are all quiet Natives are planting potatoes very largely Europeans are endeavouring to lease and purchase all over the district. I wish matters were settled. Many of the friendlies are endeavouring to make capital out of the Hau Hau lands - principally those who professed to be on our side but were undoubtedly Pai Marere in their hearts. The Station at Kohanga Kareareha is about to be abandoned. I hope the force in Turanga will be increased it surely is too small for any good purpose, cannot in fact protect itself if attacked. No further news from Andrew Matete. I should not be at all surprised were we to have an incursion of Hau Hau if they think they can manage it, and 24 hours would clear off every homestead in Turanga - Yours faithfully J. W. Harris