Opunake February 9th. 1872. Dear Sir, I forwarded you some time since some books, and Platinum chain that belonged to my Father, I do not know whether you received them, Mr. Carrington kindly offered to take charge of them, but I have had no opportunity of seeing him since his return. Everything is going on quietly and favourably in this District I find the Natives very tractable and easily managed, I have of course some trouble at times as is always the case in new Districts where the races are mixed and more especially as in new Districts the whites are generally the offscourings of older settlements and bad characters, in avoiding trouble in many instances a great deal is due to the forbearance and good sense of the Natives. The Pariaka meeting is to take place next month. There will be a large attendance, I greatly fear it will tend to complicate difficulties if Tito Kowara is not settled with before then. From what the natives say the land will be the chief question discussed, three great chiefs all wanting land will meet there - Te Whiti, William King, and Tito Kowara. The former two are clever speakers, but talkers only, therefore their opposition, or demands will only be words and end in talk. Tito Kowara is looked on as a warrior, and what I fear is a sort of land league, formed between these three, or their uniting in their demands for land to be returned, if such should be the case the land question will become more complicated. From what I have seen and heard of Tito Kowara he could now be easily dealt with, and satisfied singly, whether he could be so easily disposed of, if combined with or supported by the other two is a question. He is at present very timid and fearful of being surprised and taken prisoner. In the there was an article published describing the execution of Keriopa, it wound up by saying that would be likewise punished when they could be captured. This has I understand made Tito Kowara very uneasy and tenacious of giving up his arms, I hope you will excuse my writing so fully on this subject, I know I am presuming in doing so, but as I have opportunities of hearing the Natives make observations on these matters, I have thought it best to write you on the subject. I hope you will not mention to Mr. Parris my having written as he does not like others in his District reporting on native matters and I would not do so were it not that I feel so certain that matters may be made more complicated if three chiefs combine in the land question at Pariaka. I remain Sir Yours very truly, P. G. Wilson. The Defence Minister, Patea. M