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English (ATL)

Raglan

5th. July 1870.



My dear McLean,

You will have received all my official Telegram etc. about the rumoured attack on Raglan by the Kawhia Natives. I was last Wednesday the 29th. detained at Ngaruawhahia and late at night got letters referring thereto, next morning I started for this place, collecting and bringing with me all the leading Natives of the Waipa. I was, I confess, rather frightened at first but on making inquiry on my arrival was reassured that matters were not so bad as I feared. I found an infinity of rumours of attacks to be made on this Township amongst the Natives and considerable agitation amongst the Europeans. I at once determined to have the most open and searching investigation into the origin of them, and got the Natives together on Saturday night and was very much pleased to find that the rumours and danger had been much magnified the whole thus having arisen from two causes one the robbery at Aotea, the other some vague threats made by Te Tapihana, the friendlies feel no doubt very much offended by the action taken by the Kawhia Natives in stealing and taking away the goods of Messrs Higgin and Ilberg at Aotea who were living under their protection, this robbery combined with Te Tapihana's bouncible attitude and some vague threats made by him compelled them to make some sort of a demonstration, and this I believe to be the fact and foundation of the alarms and rumours. I had another meeting with the Natives yesterday and I believe succeeded in smoothing away every thing and restore them to their usual equanimity.

I also yesterday had a meeting of all the European Settlers about here and am glad to say was enabled to explain to them in a satisfactory manner the rumours and their causes and to assure them that to the best of my judgement and belief there was not the slightest cause for fear on their parts, they passed a most cordial vote of thanks to me and I conscientiously believe all slept sounder last night than they had for the previous ten days. I leave Raglan this day for Hamilton and assure you that I would sooner face Te Tapihana and all his Host than the Road I have to travel and can safely promise you that I will never be guilty of envying my Successor.

And I am
Yours very faithfully,
William N. Searancke.
Donald McLean Esq. Wellington.