Gisborne Jany 12th. 1875. Sir D. McLean, Dear Sir, I have just received letters reporting the death of Iharaira Houkamau on Sunday 3rd. inst. His death was sudden and is attributed to witchcraft. I am afraid his loss will be felt much by the whole tribe as he has to the last retained the mana rangatira Maori over his people. It was a very remarkable thing that at the hoisting of the Flag it would not unfurl and many of the natives said it was a Tohu mate a similar affair at Mataahu meeting and soon after a man was shot at Waiapu. These are considered more than co-incidents by the Natives. I am, Sir, Yours most faithfully, T.W. Porter, Adjt.