Auckland 28 Mar 63 My dear Sir, Since I last wrote to you a few days ago, the times here have become very stirring indeed. The Waikato's came down in considerable numbers for the second time and carried out their threat of forcibly removing the timber from the Kohekohe and quietly landed it at Mangatawhiri. What do you think of that. Letters were received from the Governor and Messengers were sent off to Waikato, and Isaac, Tamati Ngapora, and Aihipene have been dismissed the Govt. Service for the part they took in this transaction. The opi left Mangatawhiri with the intention of compelling Gorst to return to Town, and last night late, Dillon Bell being in Auckland and bound back to Taranaki by the Steamer which was wind bound, a Messenger was in from Otawhao with the astounding intelligence that Rewi, W. Kingi rangitake and a party of armed Ngatimaniapoto Natives, surrounded Gorsts establishment at the Awamutu and after prayers rushed the place and took possession seizing the printing press, the materials of which are in all probability transferred to many a Hamanu in the shape of bullets by this time - The Waikato's have become as you see Noon day robbers and if allowed to pursue this course of proceeding there is no knowing how far it may extend, even to you at Hawkes Bay - Bell is off today by the Steamer and what a bitter pill he will give the Govr. to swallow tomorrow morning for breakfast - you will readily concur - Halse and I have been kept so busily occupied lately, that it appears to us very much like the times of old in the last war when everything was confusion worse confounded. Smith from Maketu is still here but will soon return to his pets of the Bay of plenty. Reed has had notice to remove his sheep and it is probable he will have to come in himself before long. The present system of ruling with our friends the natives would do. But the difficulty is what to do next. Hoping to hear from you soon I am yours etc. J. Rogan