Turanga 5th. January 1864 My dear Sir, We had a large runanga here yesterday at which it was decided to send deputies both from here and Ahuriri to wait on Sir G. Grey and urge peace with Waikato. I was glad to hear they blamed Waikato for forcing the present war, and professed their determination to maintain their neutrality. I have a matter of my own in which you can assist me. Some three years since I sent an embranded mare and colt by Henry to Ahuriri. She got away there, and was brought here by a Native (Toki Tai) of this place, and (I was in Auckland) immediately claimed by Natives as my mare. On my return I offered the man five pounds for his trouble (they had disposed of the colt 2 years old) he refused to give her up alledging the European to be that any one finding an embranded animals was authorised in keeping it. I put the matter in the hands of the runanga and it was last night decided that my offer was quite fair and that the horse should be given up (she has two foals and heavy with a third). This he in the face of the runanga refuses to do. Will you oblige me by writing to the runanga and tell them the law on the matter. I am sorry doing to trouble you, but know you will render me all the assistance in your power and very few words will I think suffice. Very faithfully J.W. Harris.