New Plymouth July 12/62 My dear Sir I duly received yours of the 19th. ultimo and have been to the "News" office and paid your account, herewith enclosed. I have no news to impart, more than my official reports contain, which I presume you see, now you are once more at headquarters. Our Southern friends are disposed to be troublesome as they always were. Our old friend, Matakatea, is I believe, truly sorry that he ever took any part against the Government. I should not be surprised to hear of his having a brush with the Nareas, who have insulted him twice, when returning from Town. He has threatened to do so and but for the rascally Ngatkruanuis I believe he and the Arama Karak would defy the whole of Taranaki. The Mataitawa people have behaved remarkably well ever since the Truce. King writes them some very foolish letters, which I suppose is done more to please the Waikato, than himself, however his people do not seem disposed to act up to his advice, and I believe they would be heartily glad to shake off Waikato altogether. You will please excuse this brief epistle as the Mail is closing, Yours very respectfully Robert Parris.