''Wairoa'' Nov. 22nd, 1868 Sir, I have the Honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 21st Inst. I regret that the Govt. should have determined to remove 'Ngatiporo' at present from the 'Wairoa' -- They are the only ''body upon whom implicit confidence as a whole can be placed. It is unfortunate that the Officer Commanding falls to inspire either confidence or respect in the minds of the Natives -- attributable mainly no doubt to a want of knowledge of their peculiar characteristics. My only apprehension consists in my knowledge of the wavering and unreliable nature of some sections of the natives here who could not be trusted where the enny permitted to effect a lodgement in our district -- All classes might be relied on if placed in motion -- inaction always produces discontent and therefor danger in dealing with the Maories -- 'Tamihana' and 'Kohia' were both with me yesterday. It would be well in my view to collect the natives into one settlement -- say the Waihirere -- the fusion consequent thereon would tend largely to prevent possibility of Desertion in any case -- It is much to be regretted also that Government should at a time like this make any change in the post of R.M. here -- a stranger unless prepared to accept the assistance of and place implicit reliance on the guidance of persons acquainted with the Natives here would necessarily add largely to the confusion already prevailing -- I will use my utmost endeavor to reduce the present chaotic state of the Native mind to some degree of coherence. I can not fail however conclusively to regret that in an almost entirely native district we should not have an officer possessed of some slight knowledge of native character in command -- As it is however my poor assistance shall be cheerfully given to tide aggairs over the present crisis -- The letter I sent by the orderly last night contained my full opinions on the best method of proceeding in the operation about to be taken against the enemy. If however ''Ngatiporu'' be removed -- either replace them by natives from Napier -- no whites being to be had -- or else enroll 100 men picked out with care from amongst the Wairoa tribes -- I would undertake to procure that number of reliable and effective men -- I have the Honor to remain, Sir, Your most obedt. servt. Geo. B. Worgan To His Honor Donald McLean Esq. Napier