My dear McLean, I forward to you by the ''Phantom'' a tin case containing a sketch plan of the Coromandel by Mr. Heaphy which will probably be of use to you in your present investigations also a small sealed packet with an official letter from Mr. Heaphy who hoped to have found you here. I also enclose a note herewith. Nothing new of importance in the office; but there is no lack of work, I assure you, in clearing off arrears. We have not yet been able to begin the classification of papers etc. Wm. White has been prosecuting his schemes and has addressed a letter to the Governor enclosing two letters ( rather) from Te Uri o hau to himself. His own letter speaks of an approaching crisis fraught with all sorts of horrors and hints, at the end of his letter, that some person might possibly be found possessing influence and judgment sufficient to restore harmony between the contending parties if ''armed with the authority of the Governor''. Te Uri o hau's letters call upon Mr. White to advocate their cause with the Governor, or in any practicable way, sating that they are tired of applying to the Government thro Mr. McLean and hopeless of redress. I have not yet had an opportunity of speaking to the Governor on the subject as he was out when I called. I am now going up, but must send this at once for fear of missing the vessel. The letter of Te Uri o Hau to the Governor has been returned with a Minute by Richmond recommending that the reply should be as suggested by yourself - to which the Govr. has added his minute of approval. There was some talk of a public meeting on the subject - Mr. Daldy having been askedto preside at one - he called to see Richmond about it yesterday - but I think it has dropped - Te Uri o hau's letters bear internal evidence of having been written by a pakeha - whether from dictation or not of course cannot be said. It should I think be ascertained whether these productions are genuine and spontaneous and how far they express the sentiments of the majority of the ngatiwhatua. A carefully conducted enquiry might lead to the exposure of the'man who pulls the strings' Patuone is enquiring thro' John Hobbs about a horse he has asked the Gov. for - There is no minute of yours on his letter Hobbs has also sent in a bill amountg. to £11.11.0 - for board and lodging for Kiwi's party, Tamati Wake Tiopira, Aihipene and others - No authority of yours appearing I have refused to certify in your absence much to Hobbs' disgust, I think- In great haste, Yours very sincerely, Thos. H. Smith.