Takatahi Kawhia 6th. May 1854 My dear Sir, My time has been so much engaged that I have not been able ere this to address you, nor has there really been much matter for communication, except the visit here of Hikaka and Te Weitini from inland and their repeated meetings, to prevent selling land. I was too busy to attend the meetings and when they found this, they came down here (about 100) determined to have a korero with me, but after waiting about 10 hours and finding I did not return home they dispersed. I suppose Mr. Rogan who was present at their meetings has informed you of their proceedings; they ended by our friend "Nuitone" tapuing the land from Mokau to Hari hari inclusive, by a tuku tuku ki tona iwi turia". This I tease him about a great deal, telling him that Wesleyan Ministers have no sacred bones in their body, and blames him much for expressing one view to us at Kawhia and another so wideley diffenent at the native meetings. But the finale was the best; hearing that Kikaka was to return inland by the Awaroa, I sent to William to prepare to receive him, and I went up there. After giving them so much rice and sugar that standing up to speak seemed quite a pain to them, William began abusing the old man most violently asked him if he thought the young Maori of the present day was as ignorant and foolish as their ancestors were and if he imagined that they intended listening any more to the old people who clung to their Maori customs to the exclusion of European enlightenment. After several speeches on both sides the old man concluded by the modest suggestion, that he William should only give a piece of land for the "pakeha" and leave the bulk for the natives, as that although a few Europeans might be advantageous, and useful a great many might be dangerous. Mistrust as to the friendly Intentions of the Europeans seems to be the great misgiving with the old people. The Hgate hikairo returned last week from Rangiahia and MataMata, expecting you would have been there, and they would have had another opportunity of showing themselves; another object was to try and strengthen their party to oppose the sale of Kawhia. On the other hand William started yesterday for Auckland via Waikato. His intention is to see each and all the Waikato chiefs as he goes down, and muster a party to go to Auckland and sell their land on the Kawhia sale. Punepe wished to start on Monday to see you in Auckland to get part of the payment for Hari Hari. He was with me yesterday and I advised him to wait till he heard from you. He wished me to inform you that he had a large meeting with Nuitore etc. and that seeing he was determined they said no more; that he wishes to have part payment at once and to receive it in Auckland as he says this is a "Kainga raru raru", and requests you will write to him, when he shall go down to you. William on the contrary wishes the payment for the small piece that Mr. Rogan surveyed here, brought here that the whole of the natives may see it. He said to me the other day "I only want some European neighbours let the others have the money to make them content. I can cultivate as much in two years as the payment of the land will come to." The mail from the South has been here all day, blowing too hard to go away. The bag was very wet and a packet from Mr. Rogan to you so completetly saturated that'I opened the parcel and put them out to dry. You will learn from him of the proceedings at Mokau. I had a letter from "Ngatawa and Ngature" warning me not to send a vessel there as the river was tapu'd, They also wrote to Neutone, Hikaka and other natives on the subject. I wrote an answer of which I enclose a copy (I am not a Maori scholar so be gentle in your criticisms). I should be obliged by your informing me if #ou think I might send my vessel with safety and if in case of any seizure by the natives of either vessel or cargo, if the Govt. would interfere and to what extent. As I have now pretty well exhausted my subject and I fear your patience, I must conclude by hoping that if I can be of any service to you in this quarter you will not fail to inform me and Believe me to remain My dear Sir, Faithfully yours, R. A. Joseph. To Donald McLean Esq P. S. As I have been confined to the house the last week and very unwell/please excuse the careless style of writing etc. as I feel very nervous.