authorities (for Government it is not) will plunge us - if they do not call for the common sense of all Europeans in the country - to aid them in their decisions. I mean to pursue my way in the country as I have done. We have some influence with the natives in country parts: Government! has none. The question now paramount to every, in my opinion, is the mode by which we are to get control over the waste lands. It might be adjusted and settled, I think, without bloodshed and waste of John Bull's money if common sense and justice governed the public measures. Of the native character, I think less than I did. Force only will compel some of then to act fairly towards us. I am pursuing my spar operations at Mangapona - only just now. I expect another packet ship shortly to take home my cargo. No reliance is to be placed in agreements with Natives for hauling them out unless it at the moment suits their interests to do it; and we have no power to compel them to fulfil their engagments. I have however one native party and one of Europeans dragging out. Debentures have disappeared and trade in Auckland is now wholesome. Kaipara is now a busy place with spar and quarring. If the ships at present leading and to load them got out and in