Government House New Zealand 4 Sept. 1873 My dear Mr. McLean, Reading the interesting letters from Mr. Bush Major Mair of 22d and 26th September without any knowledge of Maoris, I should think the conclusions of the latter probable: on the other hand Mr. Pekanii's motto is consistent with prudence rather than lasting peace and the warning not to cross the line coupled with other deterrent influences, is not like a sense of weakness, but rather a continued determination to maintain the rule of which Turukutu's murder was only an indiscreet but successful mode of enforcement. It seems to me as if the leaders were anxious to prove to the Government their personal anxiety to avoid collisions, but possibly also their uncertainty of being able to do so. Any such element of danger you will doubtless know how to counteract while the chiefs are disposed to give you the opportunity. I see that Mr. Bush speaks of the invitation to me, and I remember that this was referred to as a rumoured intention in a former telegram, I presume that no such invitation has been sent: and probably they would feel their way with you before sending one. Yours sincerely, James Fergusson