Wairoa Feb. 21/68. My dear Sir, I have just recd. your note informing me that you have recommended my brothers application, for which I am extremely obliged he begs me to thank you as well, for your kindness. I am rather in trouble here just now about a Native dispute. It appears that a block of land at the Whakaki called Wairau I think, has been applied for to be put through the Land courts. There are two distinct sets of claimants the one being headed by Maraki Kohea and the other by Teretiri who is backed up by the Kuru pakaiaka and Kahu Maraki being backed by Paora, Tamihana Huata and Maihi Kai Moana - so that in reality the whole of the Natives are involved more or less in the dispute, which is this each party insist that they are the rightful claimant, and want to keep possession of the land pending the arrival of the Judges the dispute had become so serious that a day was appointed to come to blows. I accordingly went out and after a long and rather violent discussion both parties agreed to my decision which was as follows - "That as food was scarce that both sides should have the priveledge of eel fishing etc. in the lakes and could make eel pas which of course would be given up to the rightful claimants after hearing the Judges decision in the matter, and that the land itself should not be interfered with as regards fencing and cultivating till the afore mentioned decision was made known". As I said before both sides agreed to my wishes on the matter, and I left expecting to hear no more of it but it appears that Teretiris party have not only made their own eel pas but have appropriated a portion of the lake where Maraki had commenced work himself, which Teretiri taking advantage of Maraki absence for a day or two at once seized upon. As to who are the rightful owners it is impossible to say, but I am inclined to think it is only a pretext on the part of Teretiri and his friends to have a little disturhance with Maraki - with whom you are aware there is some jealousy - I am going to have a talk with Hamana this morning he being in reality the prime mover in the affair, and I think a few lines from you to him and party would have a very good effect more particularly as I have told them that I have referred the matter to you. I am my dear Sir, faithfully yours, S. Deighton.