Wairoa Novr 17, 1863 My dear Sir, Nothing of interest of this place has transpired since I last wrote to you; it may, however, be worth while to mention an incident which took place on Saturday the 14. I was on my way up the Wairoa to Opon iti to administer the Lords Supper. At Tetawa I was told I should not be allowed to proceed by the natives farther up the river. This I thought strange, having received two or three pressing invitations lately to pay them a visit. The sequel will reveal the cause. 8 natives had very recently come from Waikato among whom was Terakiroa a Romanist (the person I believe who had stolen a horse from Napier years ago) and Tamati Haki of Tamaianarangi he said he had come from the riri, and a quiet native of mine of former years, of Waikato; he had brought his wife and three children here and intended to leave them. There were three others among the party, who from appearance seemed ready to say and do anything. Terakiroa I did not see. Their object in coming here is no doubt to do all the mischief they can. They are staying with Tamaianarangi. The alledged reason for not allowing me to proceed was that my brother had been killed in battle with the natives and of course I was no better. I told the natives of Tetawa that I did not wish to urge the point of going I could return. But there never was a baser fabrication than that report regarding my brother who was too lame to be a militia man for he scarcely ever walked abroad with out a stick. Mr. Lusk of Howick who writes from the place where it happened to inform me calls it a foul murder. However Karauria Iwirori and another native offered to go and advised our going. We went. On arriving there we observed no signs of ill feeling. Tewhaikouro a te tangata was returnedby us in which the whole came out. Tamati Tupuma of Tamaianarangi said in answer to our speeches it was correct. Terakiroa had endeavoured to excite them to have Waikato plans introduced here, but, he said, he told him to say what he had to say and pass on for Waikato plans would not be introduced here. The Ngatikinganga a part of Raromanukiri of Mangaruke have it seems determined to cary out this plan as far as their own place is concerned. Four of this party are now at Waikato in the Maori army. Some said, that european ministers would not be allowed to travel in certain roads; others said all ministers for though the kin of the maori minister was the kin of the maori his heart was with the Queen. While at Oponiti I heard that this Waikato party called at a europeans house at Maungakaruru; the european gave them flour beef and sugar to eat but the vile fellow Terakiroa made his boast that he had a mind to kill the two europeans and would have done it but that he had regard to Paora Wakahoehoe who was on the spot and that some of his companions advised him not. You can take this for what it is worth and act accordingly. But let not my name be heard of it would be dangerous to do so. I hope I shall be able to pay a visit to Napier the beginning of Jany next when I should be glad of your audience, on various matters which would be too long to write. Wishing you every Blessing in your arduous work, I am yours faithfully, J. Hamlin