Turanga Poverty Bay 22nd May 1865 D. McLean Esqre. Napier. My dear Sir, Yours of 10 Inst. Ex St. Kilda I have not hitherto had an opportunity of answering. I now take advantage of the Lark going to Napier to again write you - I do not think much good as resulted from Hirines trip to Napier. I have not seen him since his return. The runanga visited the Hau hau Natives, but left things just as they were I anticipated nothing else. Matters are therefore so far as regards the Pai Marere just as they were. There is a move just now instigated by Morgan (East Cape) who is here to set up a flagstaff and hoist the Union Jack at Turanga Nui. This was done on Friday last. Hirene and his people are very wroth, threaten to cut it down etc. I do not think they will manage this as it has more supporters than I was aware off. Potote Turangi (Paratene) has declared for its errection and his embracing the side, this will give some weight. Ngati Maru will not interfere. The Pai Marere faction though strongly urged by our quondom (supposed) friend to cut it down, have decidedly (I hear) refused to mix themselves in the matter indeed the Natives generally have express'd on more than one occasion their disgust at following the sugestions of old double face and thereby getting into all sorts of raru His influence is decidedly on the wane. If you can induce your Ahuriri chaps to the old scamp, I think we can soon place him where he ought to be ie I think the flag hoisting movement ought to be foster'd without delay. The Hapus of Ngai Te Whiri, Nga te Kou whe Paia and Te Wanau a Iwi may be said (with few exceptions) to have joined our side. With a little management Ngati Maru would I think come over. They are now wavering. If we could get them, the battle would be won as to keeping the piru here. Of course in the event of being attacked in force, they would expect assistance from our Govt. All things considered I am of opinion much good would arise from your paying us a speedy visit I would advise your bringing another J. P. with you, there are some matters here that will well bear altering and I am not aware whether your judicial powers would be sufficient without a second on the Very sincerely J.W. Harris