Auckland, April 6, 1861. My dear McLean, As no news is good news I have the best news for you. Nothing of importance to report. Mr.Richmond goes down in the 'Airedale' and by him I send you a report of Coopers with enclosures - one a reply by Renata of Hawke's Bay to a speech of FitzGerald's - I think Cooper has acted very injudiciously in connection with the business but thought it better to let you minute his report - Renata's reply is no production a novice could tell that - I have sent you the papers about Dr. Ozanne's appointment to get the Governor's approval - it was to have been settled before H.E. left, but was not and I do not like to write without authority - please let me have the papers back by first opportunity. Turton is up from the South - the Maori flag business seems to have passed off easily - I hear that Tamihana has gone over and is thick with our friend by whom he was converted on their overland journey together - Matene is staunch. There is a good letter in from Maihi Kawiti showing that his visit to the South is with good intent. The Taupo and Waiau meetings broke up without any very bad symptoms, though there was I believe, some pretty plain speaking at the former. The gist of the speeches amount ed to this - ''Let us alone and we will let you alone''. Mr. Lanfear was to be here immediately after the Waiau affair but has not yet arrived. We aresending out letters by the dozen but the pile of papers on my table maintains its elevation notwithstanding. Arrears only requiring action are continually turning up to sustain our character as the slowest coach in the Govt. You ought to send us something for the (Manuhiri' - from and about Taranaki - it is a delicate subject to touch upon now - but the natives willnaturally expect some information about what is doing. Everything is quiet here in Auckland very few natives in town - There is a report of a meeting about to take place at Ngaruawahia Charon is in quest of further information and will go to Mangatawhiri on Monday and, if necessary, on up the river - It is reported also that Te Heuheu has been to Ngaruawahia to propose an attack upon Auckland - My information is through Buddle who has it from one of their teachers - Barton who, according to his own account, influenced Matutaera and induced him to give a decided refusal to Te Heuheu - This is confidential - Buddle is not at liberty to mention the source of his information - but believes it to be correct. Meanwhile we may postpone opening a correspondence with our friend Te Heuheu until we hear more about him. No more at present, From yours sincerely, Thos. H. Smith. Donald McLean, Esq., Taranaki.