Napier, 16 Dec., 1865. My dear Stafford, I intended to have sent a report of my visit to Opotiki and intervening settlements on the E.C. but my time has been so much taken up that I cd. not do so. The officials will give you the principal events. I trust you will take Patara Kereopa and the other instigators of murder who are sheltered in Pahs near Opotiki, those wretches occasioned the E.C. war and they are still at large. I do not like to interfere much with Opotiki but I feel quite certain that the difficulties there cd. be very soon settled. You were under an impression that they were out of supplies at Opotiki this is not the case, they have plenty of everything, therefore I found it necessary to keep the St. Kilda in this vicinity for a few days before sending her on to Opotiki. I endeavoured to avoid war at the Wairoa hoping that late successes wd. induce the Natives to submit, but my efforts in this direction were of no avail. I do not expect the war will last long there but at all hazards it shd. be carried to such a conclusion as will ensure peace hereafter. The war is fast approaching an end on the E.C. I do not know what is doing at Taranaki. The "Ua" should be taken and exhibited as a prisoner all over the Island, if this can be done it will lead to a speed settlement of the Hauhauism. I can assure you I am doing all in my power constantly with the objects contemplated by the Govt. to settle matters on the E.C. as economically as possible Natives fighting in the field and prisoners must be fed but the confiscated territory will more than cover all exps. besides leaving a very handsome Margin. I will send you my plan of settlement very soon. I remain, My dr. Stafford, Yours faithfully, (Sigd.) Donald McLean.