Wairoa Nov. 17 /68 My dear Sir I should have written the other day but the messenger did not call as he passed and I was not informed that one was being sent so lost the opportunity, but there is nothing of consequence to report even now - The news from Turanga has of course cast a sad gloom over the place, and the people are a good deal frightened and kept very close at home - We have had all sorts of small squabbles with the Ngatiporous, but I think they are all right now - I have at last I think convinced the Major that it is not quite practicable, or advisable to attempt to carry out with a parcel of untrained and half civilized Maoris. They wont put up with it and they dont like either the Major or his discipline - I dare not put down in black and white what I should like to tell you about this and other matters, but I think the sooner we have Fraser back here the better for this coast. The Major does not hit it at all with the Maoris, his old world military ideas upon all subjects are so totally at variance with their preconceived notions, that it is a continual clash - I had a little talk with him yesterday on the subject and told him that if he wanted the Ngatiporou to stay here for a time he had much better not interfere more than was absolutely necessary with the main details, and that if he would give me a general idea of what he wanted done I would see that his wishes were complied with but it must be done in their own way - I did not venture to speak to him before as he does not appear to take any body into his confidence but as I saw a great deal of discontent among the natives generally, I thought I would mention the matter to him, he took it very kindly however and was much obliged for my suggestions He takes on also today six mounted scouts, for this side of the river, two to be on duty each day - The Kurupakiahas keeping a look out on the other side - so altogether I think we are as well prepared as we can be to meet anything - Hotene wants a flag not that I think it is of much use except pleasing him - but what is really wanted is a couple of Binocular field glasses for the scouts - If you could procure them - The Major has one of his periodical koeros with the chiefs today. I suppose about the ''line of defence''? he has asked me to be there I shall write by every messenger after this. I am, my dear Sir, faithfy. yours, S. Deighton