. Keri Keri, 12 March, 61. My dear Sir, As reports are expected to be reported - I write you a private line - not knowing sufficiently of the matter to do so publicly or rather officially - On Sunday the 3rd I was informed by Rune and others that Mr. James Davis of Waimate Son of Revd.R.Davis, had called a large meeting near Waimate - to propose they should all have their lands surveyed, and ask for Grants - or some might sell - they the Natives were two-or three days collecting Food, and strong drink --the meeting was on the 4th. I had an engagement with Natives at Hauoteperi - and could not go or send the Interpreter - Mr.Jas.D. was the only Pakeha there - he stated he had been to Auckland and was authorised to call the meeting and mentioned Mr.Bell's name - he was asked to shew his authority -he could not, and endeavoured to shuffle off the question consequently the meeting ended after three days hard drinking - You will be able to learn - whether the said James Davis -had any authority for what he has done - It seems to me an unfavorable time for a number of Natives to be collected together to discuss Land Claims - and no one here would think of doing it, beyond the parties that are favorable to a Land league - around the Missionary settlement of Waimate. Since you left I have been down the East coast as far as Tatukaka, and never saw the Natives more anxious for information on our laws apparently with the idea of being guided by them. I have hitherto only visited them once a year, but at their request have promised to do so three times - The Natives inland are quiet and generally well disposed - At Hokianga as well as can be expected - Maning's Powder can as it is called, only appears to cause excitement at Auckland - some new comers - I suppose, wishing to be considered authorities upon Native matters - If the Governor had gone there (Hokianga) one half of the Powder would have been blown off in honor of his visit - I would as willingly give them as Powder for all the harm it will do us - but I do verily believe, that to have kept the powder (Manings) from the four chief - might have done much mischief - It would have capsized all my preaching to them for years - from the text - The Government never never do nor permit to be done - any act of injustice towards the Maories - The powder was ordered by the Natives - imported for them and delivered - i.e. divided into four lots, and placed in an out building - before the prohibition. If the Natives had applied to me - I should have summoned Maning for detaining their property - that is if he had not given it up - I start for Harekino and Wangape on Monday and then go to Tautoro - I shall then have visited all the principal settlements in the district since January - and hope to have a little rest. I have been more knocked up this summer - than any other. Should I hear any-thing worth while about the Davis Meeting I shall write officially - if not consider this sufficient. I shall be glad to hear if anything has been said to him at Auckland upon the subject. I should like to see a law passed - to suit the present times - to punish for exciting the Natives. Believe me, Yours very truly, James R. Clendon. To:-- D. McLean Esq