present, further than the reason which Hone gives in his letter to you. King apparently does not value Mr. Mackay's gift much. The gold watch given by latter to him has been handed to Hone te One. Hau Haus at Kuiti certainly do not think much of Mr. M., and I do not think he will do very much with them. We may hear something about Kawhia after the Kuiti meeting of 28th., by which time I hope the King will have come to his senses. Do you think that Hone te One is jealous of Kawhia being opened without his assistance? He goes over there every time Tawhiao comes there, and from his own statement he is everything to the King. This may be the cause of his not wishing you to go there at present. Old Kopuera says there should be two vessels, one for Kawhia, and for Aotea. I go on Monday to visit Ngatihana. Shall be away five or six days, and will write to you on my return. I am my dear Sir, Yours very faithfully (Signed) R. J. Bush. Hon. D. McLean C.M.G. P. S. I have re-opened my letter so that I could enclose Hetaraka's. I do not put much trust in him, and I think caution is required before you return. there. I fancy the natives here are very jealous of your having been in Kawhia, without their assistance, I should feel inclined, if I may take the liberty of recommending you to act by yourself; as I fancy the Kingites will appreciate it more. Hetaraka certainly cannot assist you. Hone te One is perhaps the only one who might. I believe you will concur with me, I mean in respect to my saying that you should act by yourself as you have commenced. My main reason for suggesting this course is you will be retarded by their petty jealousies. As to your coming - I cannot see what good that can do. Hetaraka has just returned from Auckland, where he had been to draw £10,000 from you for Aroha. The reason of Hetaraka's whakatupoto is - he heard at Awhitu that if Europeans returned to Kawhia, they would be killed. Probably the Kawhia people might kill some-one in anger towards Tawhiao, so that the wrong might be visited upon his head. This is an old custom, of which no doubt you are aware. (Signed) R.J.B.