Turanga 2nd. July 1866 Donald McLean Esq. Wellington My dear Sir, Yours of the 23rd. ulto., safe to hand. We have had little of moment since the letters from Andrew Matete, and others. Things are progressing quietly, and I hope will so continue. W. Rice is doing all he can to prejudice our natives against the annexation of Hawke's Bay. I do not think he will be very successful. I am told he states Auckland to be rich, and Hawke's Bay poor; that they will be made, paid for roads, etc., by your but will get them , and , from Auckland. I think the Northern people might have a more normal character than Mr. Rice, as Agent. It does not look very well in natives' eyes, for an R.M. and a married man to be roaming about their settlements at night , and looking for females. Not a very good example, I fancy, to our dark-skinned friends. Preece has given some for the right to work the Oil Springs, discovered up the Valley. There are others who are endeavouring to purchase land; and I am sorry to see some of our own settlers endeavouring to take advantage of the natives, extending their boundary lines far beyond what they can properly claim. Can I ask you to keep these matters to yourself, till the proper time comes, when they can be easily proved? I am vexed the Native Petition should not have arrived here. Morgan promised to send it here with all speed. The last I heard of it, it had been sent to Hick's Bay. It ought to have been returned long since. Natives are anxiously waiting answers from you, concerning the letters they forwarded from Andrew Matete. Strange the new infatuation (to which he appears to allude) should take hold of them after the lessons they have had showing the falacy of Hau Hausim. Still, we cannot blame them so much, when we see our own country men given over to spirit rapping, and other delusions. We shall be glad to hear something definite has been concluded about the lands here. Do stay land shaking from the natives, if possible. I speak feelingly. I should like to get a couple of hundred acres adjoining my homestead, lest I seen to set an example, or do anything for which my conscience would accuse me. I have sent in some of our claims for compensation; my own account to Two Hundred, Wishing you every success, believe me ever faithfully (Signed) J.W. Harris P.S. I have just heard from Tamihana, that , one of the settlers, is endeavouring to purchase land in various places : in fact he is a staunch supporter of Rice, and the Auckland olique. I think it would do good, were you to write to Tamihana, requesting him and the other Chiefs to prevent all sales, (veto them?) Green is exciting the natives by the method he is pursuing. Yours (Signed) J.W.E. P.S. Since writing the above, the natives have written you on the land subject. I enclose this note.