Waikari 23rd Nov. 1866 To His Honour The Superintendent, NAPIER. Sir, Last Sunday evening seeing a small fire on Land that I knew to be burned, I drew the attensuon of four others to it - it not being the least like a spark left from a bush fire we all came to the conclusun that it was a signal - so we watched through the night and saw the fire repeated every two Hour's (Mr. S. Thorp, Wairere watched with us and would not go to bed altho often asked to do so) the fires were distant about one half miles from the house next morning (monday) I told the Natives here and they all turned out and went out to the place to look for the Hou Hou I wished to go but they said it would be better for me to remain at the house. I believe I made a great mistake in stoping behind as I and one other fanced we saw some of them come up with two Mounted men but when they (the Natives here) came back they said that they had not seen any one (I forgot to tell you that on Monday morning just as it brook day that Walter Coo Coo went up (as he says) to catch a horse, but I think he was in comunication with the parties who made the fire. The Natives and us have keept watch every night since but have not seen anything since. On Tuesday Walter Coo Coo's wife and another woman went up the same way to get some potatoes and did not come back till far in the night they brought the potatoes but I do not think that was theer princapal errand. I intended to be in port on Sunday next but will not leave now had I come in perhaps I could have made things more clear to you than I can do by writing. I am very suspicus of the natives here, I would ask it as a favour if you would keep or burn this letter as the last one I wrote you has been read or the contents comunicated to parties up this way who have again spoken of it so that I feel rather beckwar in saying more until I know whether the letters are private or not. Your most obedient servant, Wm. Finlayson P. S. Would you be kind enogh to let me. know per bearer wether I Spooner Mohi or any of the natives this way are to receive any money from you. As they have asked me to come to Napier to get some debts that they owe me, but I do not liketo leave here unless I was sure that they were to receive the money as they say. My brother in law will hand you this who will bring back any ans. you may wish to send. One of Mr. Dolbell men has just arrived and brings news that the Hous Hous are up there and killing Mr. Dolbell's sheep he goes along with my brother in law to Napier in the morning Your most obt. Servant W. F.