Tuesday 16th. March 1869 My dear Sir Hamana informed me about a week ago that Ihaka had brought a report from Turanga to the effect that he (Hamana) had been holding treasonable communication with Baharuha, and requested me to call the Natives together on Ihakas arrival here to have the matter investigated, and yesterday there being a large number of natives on this side of the river I got them together at his request, when it was stated by Rihimona of Nuhake that he was informed by Raharuke that Hamana had sent him a letter advising him to join the Hau Haus and that he and his tribe intended doing the same thing, and if he did not join openly that he would leave the road clear for te Kooti, this apparently happened at the time of the panic here when Capt. Luke was in command. The individual who is supposed to have carried the letter is a man named Pape Ngahau at present I believe living with Tarehas people -- at the meeting yesterday Hamana denied the accusation in toto and requested me to write asking you to have Pape either sent down here or else to have the matter investigated by you at Napier. He Hamana. at the same time openly accused Tiopera Kaukau of having brought overturesfrom te Kootis people to him to the effect that ''they were to leave the road open for them''. This accusation against Tiopera was was if you remember investigated at the time it happened and it was glossed over, Tiopera denying the accusation and saying that he had been taken prisoner and allowed to escape. I always had my idea upon the subject namely that he was guilty but yesterday he openly owned before the meeting that it I did not say anything in the matter myself as I thought it much too serious for me to deal with till/had your instructions in the matter. As far as the accusation against Hamana I really do not know what to say but the general feeling among the Natives is that it is true. I kept the meeting as quiet as I was able as I did not wish the affair to be known among the Europeans yet, as more harm than good is generally done by ventilating these subjects till something definite is known, but at the same time I must tell you that I think we are in a very precarious state here just now -- we really don't know our friends from our enemies and we have a very small force if Te Waru attempts anything. It is clear beyond a doubt that they are prowling about very close to us as you will see by Capt. Spillers report, and it is I think equally certain that sooner or later te Waru will attack this place I trust to God he will not do so in the night time -- I have written privately to you as I can speak to you more freely than I could officially I sincerely trust that warning will be taken in time by the Govt. in this matter otherwise I fear the consequences will be most disastrous of course although I have written privately on this subject you are at liberty to make use in any way of this communicatio I do not consider at the present time that it is safe to sleep at my house and intend coming up at night time to the Town. I have been advised to do so, and do not like to neglect such a warning. I have not said anything about the murder at Felix Goulets station as Spiller has sent down all the details. I am my dear Sir Yours very truly S. Deighton.