Raglan January 31st 1874 My dear Sir, Hone Wetere, and Te Huirama arrived here last evening, they have come to procure some Arrowroot etc. for Tawhiao's daughter who is at Kawhia. Tawhiao himself is on his return from Mokau, it is expected that he arrived today at Kawhia on his way home to Te Kuiti. Te Ngakau, Hote and others of the Ngatihaua appear to be with him. Huirama tells me that the March meeting is for the purpose of getting Waikato, both hauhau and kupapa to become one, on account of the accusations made by Maniapoto against them, who Huirama states accuse Waikato of being the first to sell land, and cause war. Should this discussion terminate satisfactorily then the Panui alluded to in my telegram of January 23rd will be discussed. You will now be able to understand the reason why Ngatihaua have taken up their residence at Te Kuiti; it is apparently to strengthen Tawhiao against Ngatimaniapoto. Hone Wetere informs me that Tawhiao's wife Parehaiwaki (a near relative of Hone's) told him the reason Tawhiao went to Alexandra was to shew the tribes, and ourselves, that he was opposed to the murder committed by Purukutu, and that that act was Purukutu's own. Tawhiao gave her this reason for his going there himself. Wetere also states that had you returned to Kawhia in the four days, which he says he asked you to do, you would have caught Tawhiao at his settlement, and all would now have been settled between you. He also says that the only way in which you will see him will be to drop upon him unawares in this manner, he does not think he will be prevailed upon to meet you in any of our settlements. He also tells me that Tawhiao while speaking to him expressed himself as being desirous of meeting you -- "stating that he still carried his axe in his hand". I asked, should you meet him will he give you his axe & Hone said I suppose so as his desire is to "noho tahi" with you -- I presume make peace. Watere goes on to say that if you should come to Raglan and he send a letter telling you to come to Kawhia, you must up anchor and steam for there (for his kainga), as that is the only way in which you will see him (Tawhiao). You are not to be afraid of treachery or that any evil will happen or that he Tawhiao will decamp on beholding the steamer. No, he will consider himself caught and remain to see you. This is Hone's idea, he enjoins secrecy as he is afraid of Tawhiao heard of it, his plan for bringing about a meeting between yourself and him would be frustrated. Hone promises to write to me about this matter, should he do so you may rest assured I will send you his letter without delay. Hone is a very deep fellow, but I think he means what he says on this occasion, as he would I feel sure be glad to see Kawhia opened. He has been to Alexandra and Cambridge. The friendly chiefs hold meeting tomorrow for the purpose of forwarding a formal invitation to yourself and his Excellency to pay them a visit about March next. If you could manage to drop in here when Tawhiao was at Kawhia, Hone's plan might be of service. I believe that when you have once had a face to face talk with Tawhiao all will be well -- he is only too anxious to get a pretext to get away from Maniapoto and they to get rid of him and his. Hoping my letter will find you in good health I remain My dear Sir Yours very faithfully R.J. BUSH Hon D. McLean Wellington.