Waitawa Wairoa March 30th 1864 Dear Sir, There has been during the week past considerable excitement here owing to reports spread by 'Paora Toke' of the intentions of Government with regard to himself and also of the doings (according to his version) of the Troops etc. at Waikato. 'Te Teira' of Aropaoanui has taken up the matter very hotly and probably through him a certain party of natives at this place have been very loud in their demonstrations - On Tuesday there was a large gathering of natives, and it was proposed to go to 'Petane' (some hundred) armed with guns and Tomahawks - This resolution would have been carried out, but for the determined opposition of 'Hopu' 'Pitiera' - who finally succeeded in inducing them to compromise matters so far as to allow himself and two others deputed by the runanga to go to Napier see the real position of affairs, and to abide their report - What the effect of the exodus of say an hundred armed natives to Petane would have been I cannot say but I am confident that they would have gone - Mr. Brown R. M. was unfortunately up the Bay - and I did not venture to say much in his absence. I merely cautioned them that going with arms in their hands would be little short of a declaration of War. This together with privately representing the danger of such a course to the principal men - and 'Kopus' active exertions, has for the time allayed the fever. I must however express my conviction that the greatest caution is needed at this juncture - The natives being generally in a very excited state - in short the less they are brought into contact with the law for the time the better - there is almost equal danger either in action or quiessence. Kopu desired me to write you some account of this matter, but it being his intention to see you immediately on his arrival in Town it is not necessary for me to say more on the subject. I will only add that should the Government determine to arrest 'Paora' they will do well to be prepared for contingencies, and the settlers to the North of Napier will be placed . On the subject of land 'Kopu' can also give you much information. Unless something is done and that quickly there will not be an inch of land left unoccupied by squatters - I have the honor to remain Dear Sir Your most obedt. servt. Geo. B. Worgan To Donald McLean Esqr.