Puketona, Bay of Islands February 10th 1875 The Honorable Sir Donald McLean. My dear Sir, Having already forwarded to the Native Office a report of Mangonui's visit to Whangaroa as you are still engaged in the North and would doubtless wish to be early informed as to the result of that visit I have much pleasure in stating that all passed off in a satisfactory manner. You will remember my mentioning to you at Waitangi Mangonui's intentions which soon after your departure he made arrangements for carrying out. It was his wish to have turned out in full force and messengers were despatched in all directions to assemble the people, but the majority preferring to remain on the Gum fields he only succeeded in collecting sixty men and on the 27th ultimo started for Whangaroa, William Cotton and myself accompanying them. At Te Pupuke they were met by Ngatiuore, both parties were fully armed evidently wishing to appear as imposing as possible. A meeting took place on the following day when conciliatory speeches were delivered on both sides, ratified by an exchange of arms, Mangonui giving a green stone mere and a whale bone paraoa and Heremaia te Ara a double barrelled fowling piece and a handsomely carved long handled hatchet. All behaved exceedingly well, and I am convinced the meeting has had the effect of removing any ill feeling which may have existed in the minds of Ngapuhi consequent upon Timoti's death, his remains were taken up on Saturday evening, and after seeing the party off on Monday morning I proceeded down the harbour to attend to other duties. For some unknown reason Taniora, Papu's brother never came near the meeting, it is supposed he kept away through fear, having while intoxicated made use of some Tapatapa against Hongi. I enclose a letter addressed to you by Hemi Tupe asking for a double barrelled gun, the result of your generosity towards Kira, I would not venture to say give him one but he might be allowed to purchase one as he is a well behaved and influential young man. Kira again spoke about the dray he wants which I mentioned to you at the falls, this is in consequence of Tango having received one, what one receives another considers himself entitled to. I trust your visit to Waikato and interview with Tawhio may prove satisfactory, the fact of meeting is significant of good. We have had a little trouble at Kaikohe in consequence of some natives stopping the erection of the Telegraph poles but all is now settled and the work progressing. I remain my dear Sir Faithfully yours Edw. M. Williams