Mongonui, Sept. 13th, 1870. My dear McLean, That was a nasty trick of Maning reporting the state of this district in the way he did. He could not possibly know enough to justify him in the opinion he expressed, but in fact, he was more anxious to have a dig at me, and then take credit to himself afterwards for having do ne wonders by his superior management, I am quite sure that it was no good will on Fentons part which got me out of the Native land Court and Maning was quite sure of it. The Natives, or rather two of them, have given Maning offence by writing to Fenton to hasten the settlement of their claim to the North Cape. His own immediate friends (Natives and daughters) are interested in this land he told me himself his daughters were, and he thinks he has beeninsulted by the application to Fenton he is very overbearing and self conceited and wants to be the great man over me, but I cannot be abject. There is no doubt we were much annoyed on the night of the 1st June but it was no more than I have found amongst other people and any murmuring noises principally caused by the natives attempting to take a pistol from a drunken European - there was a very large assembly of natives and no accommodation for them they naturally came to Smiths house it is small and all the noises are distinctly heard all the Chiefs on their way from Te Ringa. Next morning I told Smith I would close his house if he supplied the natives with drink, not a man came near the place after that which I think showed to admiration the good conduct of the people, indeed the only troublesome ones were from te Kinga. I replied I have thought it right to myself and you go give you this acct. I could hardly say all I wished in an official letter, I have no wish to enter into an angry correspondence with Mr. Maning whilst I have to attend his Court. I wish there was something else I could do without having to go there. Have you thought of the Customs could that be managed injury to others - It is rather absurd to be told that these people are dangerous, when it can be proved that they have submitted to the decrees of the law, when no other did. Believe me, My dear McLean, Yours very truly, W. B. White.