matter but as you know if we are not able to press our claim this Session it is a poor look-out for us. My proposal is this that you write to Peeti - Huru and Hoani Maihana, the last is the most influential of the three, to meet you here and I wd. recommend that it be about general matters as if it was believed to be for the Bush purchase only - Karaitiana might hear of it and stop them -The other claimants can be got up quickly from here after your arrival and I have hopes that you may be able to manage; of course we must raise the price a little and with that from you I think it may be done. The old fellows are the bottom of the opposition but they can be worked through old Hirawanu's promise to sell which they do not deny - Please do not omit to write Peeti and Co. and if they came by steamer so much the better. They are all right and all eager to sell and wd. be a great help in the matter. I am not sure about Karaitiana he is a cunning beggar - Locke thinks he is all right but I have doubts and believe that if he chose he could settle it -The question is of such enormous importance