the Speakership and I understand he means to be troublesome. I dont know that he will annoy me but he will delay business. I am afraid the Council will last nearly if not quite another fortnight. You will be sorry to hear the repudiation of land agreements is still exciting the entire attention of the natives. Meetings continue to be held and the Natives generally are in a very excited state. On Thursday a meeting was held at Paki Paki which was largely attended. At the conclusion of which the natives stripped naked to perform their haka. I am told this is a bad sign you will know if it is. H. Russell went into the meeting and made a speech. I believe the Speech as he has sent it to the Papers is well enough but very different in tone and spirit to what he and his brother are privately instilling into the natives. Henare Tomoana who was at the meeting behaved very well. I think what he said will be published with Russell's speech and I will take care a copy goes to you herewith. I have not yet seen this morning 's paper. The account I heard of Henare's behaviour and speech was very good and he completely shut Russell up for the time. Karaitiana - Noa and Renata we all staunch and working well but they tell