Waerengaa Hika Aug. 7, 1865 My dear Sir We were glad to hear from you again by the St. Kilda on Saturday. It seemed a long time since we had had a visit from the Steamer though the state of affairs at Waiapu was good reason enough to keep us from grumbling. I am glad to hear your report of the state of things at Waiapu and I hope that the Hauhaus will have learnt a good lesson there. They continue however to send the most unblushing lies this way which are eagerly devoured by nearly all the population of this district. They will not believe anything which tells against their side. Nuis are going up now in all directions, and though they profess kindness and goodwill to everyone their preparations belie their words. Whether they intend mischief or not on or about the much talked of 18th of August we cannot tell. The friendly natives cannot form a much smaller party than they do now and it is to be hoped that they will remain staunch. Hirini is annoyed at having been taunted with being a Hauhau and says he will prove that the pakehas are liars. I shall be very glad if he will do so. The great curse of the friendly side is the drinking. They call a runanga and it all ends in disorder because people are tipsy. Skynne used to get all the abuse when he was here, but there are very few of the traders who do not supply intoxicating liquors to any one who will buy them. I think it wd. be a satisfaction to most of us if it cd be so arranged that the St. Kilda shd call here about the 16th or 17th inst. I remain Yours truly W.L. Williams