. Opunake June 18th. 1873. Dear Sir, There was some excitement in this district, and also in some of the other out-settlements, at the time of the Waikato murder. I represented to the residents here the impossibility of any serious war resulting again in this country, as the Government can depend on the support of three-fourths of the general Native population, and also about the same proportion in any particular district. I wrote a few lines in the "Herald" on the subject, (which I enclose) to allay any excitement or fear there might be entertained on the subject. The Natives on this Coast show a very good feeling towards the Government and settlers, with the exception of a few of W. King's people. That old man is a cipher, and they under the influence of Thomene, but they are only a few. Te Rhiti's people are well-behaved. On the whole, Native affairs on this coast are very satisfactory. The Natives here seem to regard the King Party as doomed; that the Government can get ample assistance to crush them from surrounding tribes; and some of these people would go and assist if required. I remain dear Sir, Yours truly (Signed) P.J. Wilson. (of newspaper cutting referred to in foregoing letter.)