New Plymouth Nov. 18/57 Dr. Sir I send you this privately to mention a circumstance which has occurred, which I disapprove of mentioning in an official letter. After the discussion mentioned in my official letter of today, Raniera came to me to know if I could not give him a sum of money privately, as he was the principal claimant in this Block, and wished to see it sold, which of course he means to consent to, but the reason I mention this is, circumstances may occur, that a sum spent in this way, would remove the opposition of a single individual of influence, who might be induced thereby to exert himself favourably with his Tribe, and the same influence used against us, would become a formidable opposition dispersed over the whole Tribe, but the difficulty is how to account for such sums, for, if charged as a portion of the purchase money, other natives would get to hear of it, and thereby cause a jealousy. Honi Ropea has just called and recommends that the Block of Land should be bought, and if Arapata will not take his share of the payment that it should be kept for him stating that before we wanted to occupy the land the opposition will die out, the same as in the case of the Pikipari question. I prefer a little more indulgence as yet, for if they would join in the sale of this, they will be more likely to join in the sale of other Blocks. Would you kindly have instructions sent to the Sub-Treasurer for the payment of my salary. I remain Dr. Sir Yours Most respectfully Robert Parris.