New Plymouth October 16, 1856. To D. McLean Esq., Dear Sir, Your favour of the 18 ultimo I have duly received, and as the Steamer is expected in a few days. I take this opportunity to reply. With regard to Wi Tana's case, versus Chilman, I beg to express my sincere regret at the very incautious manner which this subject was hurried through the Council, I did my best to prove to members the injustice of the case and the motives by which the Plaintiff was actuated viz. a strong desire to injure the reputation of an individual (yourself) and next to that his own self aggrandisement at the public expense, Mr. Cutfield supported me through the discussion but as other members took a differant view of the case, we were in the minority in Council, but in the majority out of the Council. Public feeling I assure you is very strong upon the matter, so much so that I think the race of our Provincial rulers is very near run out. Since the subject was before the Council some official documents have been received by the Superintendent from the Col. Sec. Mr. Sewell, consequently the subject is again refered to the Council and will be again discussed on the 22nd. instant when I fancy a very differant view will be taken upon the subject. I take this opportunity of forewarning you of a threatened attempt by that party to injure your character, in some case with the Natives at the Kauwau Pah in the Town, which I am not conversant with, but how I knew of it was, at the time of discussing Chilmans case, Thos. King being much displeased with me for my opposition said " (meaning yourself) (meaning myself) ". I am exceedingly sorry Sir to have to record it as my opinion that the Provincial authorities of New Plymouth are most uncharitably disposed towards the Native population, so much so that I believe if they had them in their power, their interest would be entirely disregarded, and would be treated more as aliens than as the original inheriters and owners of the country, every local enactment of the Province is attempted to be thrust upon them, which to say nothing of the injustice of it, is exceedingly impolitic for nothing has a more injurious tendency towards the further acquirement of land, for instance the natives at the Bell Block say if they had known they should be subjected to so much oppression they would never have sold their land. Anything you can do for me Sir respecting the Waipipi land with Hem Taka I shall be most thankful for. I think I have a claim and purpose to memorialize the Government respecting it, if you would kindly suggest to me the best course to adopt, I should esteem it a great favour, I will never make use of your name. I see there is an ordinance passed this Session authorizing a commission to settle claims to land by purchase from the Natives which I think will meet my case. Trusting Sir you will not have occasion to doubt my sincerity in espousing the interest of the Native population, whenever I believe it conscientiously to be my duty to do so, regardless of public opinion. With kind respects, I remain dear Sir, Your most obedient Servt., Robert Parris.