Hokianga August 17, 1871 My Dear McLean I write in a very hurrie manner being driven half off the rail by a crush of writing and correspondence and all sorts of intricate questions arising out of the Land Court doings and the litigeous spirit of the Ngapuhi and their extraordinary desire to secure estates such lawyers as they are becoming! my object is merely to let you know that the Ngapuhi letter to Tawhiao has been received by me today (Marsh Brown's name at the head) you will see what Wirikake says (his letter herewith) about Moses Tawhai but I have his (Moses') signature to a separate letter with others. I wish before sending it on to get the signatures of a few more chiefs in this neighbourhood so as to make the matter complete and do the thing properly, for I perceive, indeed I know, that the Ngapuhi consider the matter of very grave importance which makes the thing of the more value to us. I consequently write to let you know how the affair is progressing as the session coming on I thought you would like to know I have not a moments time now but as soon as I can turn round I shall get the matter properly completed and forward the letter and let you know when it has been sent. I do not wish to hurry it away without being complete as the letter is of some real importance. The letter of the Bay Ngapuhi is worded in some respects differently to that which I sent you a copy of (It is signed by Moses Tawhai and others) the two letters will go. the letter of the Bay section is to the same purport but more ample and shews how often have given up criminals even principal chiefs (Maketu etc.) to the law and how Kawhiti himself after the War hoisted the british flag at Maiki and called it the "Whakakotahitanga o Ngapuhi kia te kuini" - and how the have adhered to that principle to this day and mean to stick to it they also speak of to coming here of Wiremu te Wheoro to look up a criminal. I wish you all manner of success during the coming session Kia Toa ki te - Opposition - there is something to fight for now though only borrowed and so the rogues will be at you per chance they would like to have the fingering of the millions - Poor old Waaka is dead not without great management though. I have put him in the right place and leave it to you to keep him there this Ngapuhi letter in their own minds refers to more things than merely the murder at Porengiio it means general adherence and also a very decided intention to take arms to support the Judgement of the N. L. Court in the decision on Te Aroha - in case Waikato should attempt to seize the land by force, always supposing you to authorise such a proceeding and to do things at once - rapu utu for Todd and support the judgement - more of this perhaps anon. Yours truly F. E. Maning P. S. Excuse the hurry in which I write I only got the Ngapuhi letter today though it appears to have been sent on the 7th. I have been writing all night so bid you good morning and so conclude. F.E.M.