Napier, 15th March 1872 My dear Sir, I telegraphed to you today the gist of what has been going on before the Native Lands Alienation Commissr. during the week. On Tuesday last I presented Paora's affidavit to the Court and a long discussion ensued between the Judge Mr. Sheehan and myself as to the proper method and time for putting in retractations of complaints. Both the Judge and Mr.Sheehan behaved very fairly towards me and Mr.Richmond promised that an opportunity would be afforded me, in the event of the cases in which you are concerned not being heard, of producing effidence to the Court that the complaints lodged against you were groundless and in some instances unauthorised. The Judge considered it essential that the parties making the retractions should make them in open Court and it will therefore be necessary for me to produce Ihaka Kapo and Ropata when the Ngatarawa case is called on. I informed him that Paora was very ill and almost beridden and that I considered his affidavit sworn before a magistrate would be sufficient, he however expressed the opinion that it would be more satisfactory if a further affidavit or medical certificate of the state of his health could be produced which, I under took to obtain Mr.Kennedy very kindly rode with Hamlin and myself to Paora's "kainga" and obtained the affidavit - Mr. Sheehan by the way stated to the Court that he had written statements from the Complainants who had retracted that they were paid to sign the papers and that they did not understand what they were signing - if this is true it shows still more clearly the perfidy of the natives - In each case Josiah Hamlin interpreted clearly and distinctly all I said on the subject and they willingly withdrew. Ihaka stated that he was without money to buy food and I gave him one pound but that was after he had signed. The investigation altogether is not likely to damage any one so far Lord Henry is the only one who has been convicted of unfair dealings. The Heretaunga case is now going on - there has been a good deal of hard swearing, but the purchasers will I think come out of it with flying colours. The Mangateretere case comes on next. An attempt will be made to cast a slur upon your transactions with Tareha but I have had a conversation with him and Mr.Locke on the subject and we perfectly understand each other - He admits the sale but considers that all the money has not been paid. I explained to him that he would get more if his interest in the block turned out to be more than one ninth equal share but that under any circumstances I was prepared to give him a few pounds if he was in want of money. I told him this because Mr.Kinross and myself are both of opinion that he is entitled to the Rent owing by Williams at the time of your purchase -Sutton I do not think can come out of this case with clean hands. The back rent you paid to him which accrued prior to his purchase he clearly is not entitled to. He held a power from the Natives to collect it but he is bound to account to them for it. Hapuku has been at Waipukurau since I received your letter, he is expected in Town next week and I will have a chat with him - The old fellow shows no animosity whatever - He says with a twinkle in his eye that he is only having a fight with you but does not wish to deprive you of the land. His P. note is the only one not paid off. Turton is continually raising some difficulty about receiving the money. He told me the other day that Locke was not pulling with Lyndon and that he was inclined to play into Russell's hands and would object to the money being paid to Lyndon. I waited on Mr.Locke and asked him if he objected to the payment of the money and he assured me he had none whatever - I am waiting for Turton's consent to settle with Lyndon - I have not yet been to the Station nor have I seen Condie in Town - I have written to him about Karaitiana's sheep and will see that the account is settled forthwith. Timuera is anxious to sign upon receiving £60 but he has been out of Town for the last eight or nine days and I thought it best to await his return so as not to impress him with the idea that I was inclined to hurry the matter over. Hirini is behaving very well and stands up for you in every way. I have been a little liberal with him, but I think he deserves it. He is the only one who has disconnected himself from the complaining party. Paora of course never indulged the idea of complaining against you but he has given his consent in other cases and Ihaka Kapo is as deep in as Karaitiana and the rest - In your case he has withdrawn but I did not like his conduct on the whole. I am however keeping good friends with him. I have not said anything more to Karaitiana about his rent of Ngatarawa. I have consulted with Mr. Ormond and he agrees with me that it should go against the £424 odd pounds Karaitiana owes you. His refusal to sell his interests in the Ngatarawa Blocks leaves him a debtor to you of £424 which clearly is a good set off against the Rent. It is simply a matter of account and you may rely upon my putting it in a clear light should the question crop up. The Drafts and P. notes I sent you from Messrs.Kinross and Co. were duly noted. I received £80 from the Bank which will be accounted for. I see the "Luna" is now on the East Coast. I presume you will touch here on your way to Wellington. I may be detained here until you arrive. If I were you I would not make a long stay in Napier. I shall return to Wellington as soon as I am able to get away. Mr.Waterhouse's conduct is severely commented upon by all parties. I am glad to hear it is not likely to break up your party. Hoping to meet you shortly I remain Dear Sir Faithfully yours W. K. McLean