New Plymouth Oct. 3 1859 Dear Sir Having heard from private sources that you were on your way to this place, I write briefly to inform you how matters stand with respect to Teira's question. Wm. King is as doggedly apposed as ever, he attempted to introduce a stipulation, for the peace Negotiation, to the effect that but I had agents employed to counteract this, the most important of which was Mahau who carried a large majority in favour of noninterference in questions about land belonging to others. The Puketapus and Huirangis have declared they will not interfere with Teira's question, so that the question is now confined to the people at the mouth of the river who oppose it on the ground that if theyallow Teira to sell his, others will do the same (quite true). I believe Teira and his supporters are the principal claimants to the land on the South bank of the river, the best argument in their favour is, that when they came from Waikanae, Wm King asked Tamati Raru's (Teira's Father) leave to build their Pa's on the South side, thereby admitting that the land was theirs. Tamati Raru told Wm. King for the first time about a fortnight ago that it was only stubborness on his part to oppose Teira in the sale of the land on the South side that his (Wm. King's) land was on the North side, upon which Wm. King threatened violent opposition I received authority from the Governor last week to make a payment to Teira ma on account of the same, but I shall do nothing until you arrive, unless things are more favourable than at present. Tamati Wiremu came to Town on Saturday to intimate his intention to request to have his name withdrawn from the list of Assessors in conformity with the request of his people at Taranaki who have been writing to myself and Halse on the subject for some time past (at his instigation we believe for an advance of Salary). There is a great deal of treachery going on with our Tapuae friends. Bob lives with Teito accross the Waiongana river, slyly supporting Wm. King. I hear there are several applications for Halse's office, but I hope Sir you will do nothing in the matter before you arrive here. Hoping to see you soon. I am Dr. Sir Yours very respectfully R. Parris D McLean .Esq