exodus of say an hundred armed natives to Petane would have been I cannot say but I am confident that they would have gone - Mr. Brown R. M. was unfortunately up the Bay - and I did not venture to say much in his absence. I merely cautioned them that going with arms in their hands would be little short of a declaration of War. This together with privately representing the danger of such a course to the principal men - and 'Kopus' active exertions, has for the time allayed the fever. I must however express my conviction that the greatest caution is needed at this juncture - The natives being generally in a very excited state - in short the less they are brought into contact with the law for the time the better - there is almost equal danger either in action or quiessence. Kopu desired me to write you some account of this matter, but it being his intention to see you immediately on his arrival in Town it is