New Plymouth Jan 23/71 My Dear Sir, By this mail I have sent you a copy of a letter written at the request of Mr. Gisborne, in reference to an article which appeared in the "Taranaki Herald" about the state of things at Opunake, written by Kelly I think, agitating the question of better security for the friendly Natives and others against the lawless conduct of the disaffected - As Titokowaru is thinking of returning next autumn to settle somewhere in the district, I am decidedly in favour of putting say Natives on pay there under an European (and I think Capt P. Wilson would be a fit person) to take charge of the Arms and Ammunition as recommended - Of course there need not be any exhibition of the Arms further than keeping them clean and guarding them and subject to inspection by Major Stupp - The expense I thinkwould be reproductive, in the shape of giving confidence and checking lawless conduct. I am leaving tomorrow morning for Whanganui by Cobb's Coach. I shall stop two days at Opunake to settle a dispute with Kelly and the Natives about the lease for the Flax. Kelly has tried to be too sharp in reference to the date of the lease which he wants to be ten months after the other Companys but I told him he would never carry it and only make things unplesant to the detriment of the interest of the Company. Last week the Natives stopped him cutting flax pending the settlement of the question. I shall go on therefrom Friday with the Coach to Whanganui for the election. Yours very Faithfully, R. Parris