Napier 16 March 1864. My dear Whitaker, I am much obliged for yours of the 22nd. ult. In arranging for the plains you may rest assured tha no pressure will induce me to make any bargain that will form an injurious precedent. From the demand and urgency evinced for the acquisition of the plains the Natives have formed a high estimate of their value but I believe they can be secured for 21 years at a rental of from 1/6 to 2/- per acre, but I cannot state the precise terms till negotiations are further advanced. You will have heard that a good many Natives from the eastern portion of Hawkes bay have joined the Waikatos More are constantly sending emissaries for fresh reinforcements with threats of an attack, if they do not assist, I consider this a sufficient justification to solisit your cooperation to obtain further protection for the Province, more especially as I find that several Natives who professed allegiance to the Govt. are consequently becoming involved in the war movement and there is no telling how all this is to end. I therefore feel called upon to solicit your attention to the unprotected state of this Province. Whitmore spoke to me yesterday about taking a Native Paora Toki who has lately been fighting at the Waikato evident as Paoras guilt is, I do not consider that we are at the present in a position to risk the peace of the province by attempting to deal with such questions by force. In fact Paora has put it of anyones power to do so by making his escape. Whitmore tells me that he intends applying for leave to go to England which will no doubt be granted I trust that whoever is selected to replace him in the meantime may be a man of judgement and prudence. I remain My dear Whitaker Yours very truly, D. McLean.