Thames Oct. 31st 1870 My dear Sir The Native Land Court on Saturday last gave judgment in the Waihi case against the Ngatikoi claimants and in favor of Te Hira and party. The evidence in support of the claim of Te Hira and party was very clear and in conversation with the Hoa. Mr. Vogel the day before judgment was given I told him I thought it would go in favor of Te Hira. I applied on behalf of the Govt. to have the certificate of Title made subject to the agreement. The Court rules that this should be done only in cases when the Grantees shall have signed the agreement, but of course I shall in any case make the application and leave it to the ruling of the court to grant it or not - It gives me great pleasure to be able to note from time to time the gradual relaxing of that spirit which has estranged Te Hira and his party and kept them aloof from us for so long I am sure also that the judgment given on Saturday will tend to increase the spirit of confidence so evidently growing in the minds of these peoples towards the Govt. - at any rate it will have some effect in altering the opinion which gained ground and was fostered I am sorry to say at the Ohinemuri Ct. by the grants of Te Hira that the Court gave judgment in favor of those willing to cede to the Govt. Moananui does not seem much disposed to settle down after the promissory note business. At any rate that matter if it has not done more harm has given Moananui an opportunity of coming out in his proper colors. He is doing all he can to get the whole of Ngatitamatera to live at Ohinemuri, but I think only his own immediate followers will do so. Paora Tohi is still at Ohinemuri and is very anxious to visit Shortland and Auckland - Taraia is rather better, in fact i is only rheumatism that is the matter with him - The Aroha question is occupying the minds of the Ngatimaru at present they are anxious that the court should not sit, that the former judgment be abrogated, or if the court must sit that it be further postponed till next autumn and then be holden here. Yr. obedient Servant E. W. Puckey The Hon. D. McLean Wellington