Raglan May 29 /73 The Honourable D. McLean C. M. G. etc. My Dear Sir I thank you for a letter just received from G. S. Cooper Esq. about Karaharihi School. It is a little and almost the only bright spot among the natives in the Waikato. Our people here had a large Meeting of which, I suppose, Mr.Bush has already told you. All denounced the murder of Sulivan, and expressed their readiness to protect us here, or avenge the murder. What they desire is that 50 men be stationed at Hone Te One's place near Aotea, and also 50 at Raglan. A less number, I think, would do, but if the Govt. is willing to employ so many, I would suggest to place only 25 at Aotea and also 25 at Raglan with perhaps a few pakehas in charge of the Court House ammunition etc. The rest, I think, ought to be placed at Ohete, about 5 miles from here, near Mr. McDonald's - and at Waitatuna bridge or thereabouts on the road from Waipa. If it is true, that Te Koote has joined Purukutu with 25 men, he must have help from Ngatimaniapoto, as he has only 4 followers, I am told. The Report in the papers may be false, though I also hear from our natives "kua tukua nga kuri hino e Tawhiao". I may mention that some of our natives think less of the shocking murder of S. than they do of the attack upon Mr.M. - "he tango whenua te take o mate - engari ta te Make - he korero hau taua - tahuri ana a Rinu ki a ia i topo etc." Much as I am horrified at the last barbarous murder, and I fear there may be others, I still doubt the policy of offensive operations: it may cost us too much time, blood and treasure. I would still say: continue roadmaking, act upon the defensive only, but give authority to officers of known caution, yet courageous, to make a dash upon murderers whenever they venture within reach. This, I believe, may be done without any great danger or suffering, and yet would strike terror into murderers. But I hope and pray that the Lord Himself will undertake for us all and guide you by His unerring council - and that His divine blessing will be given to all future operations or engagements of the Government for the protection and prosperity of both races. I remain, My dear Sir Yours respectfully C. H. Schnackenberg