Tauranga, Feby. 11th. 1871. My dear Mr. McLean, I am writing under disadvantage having a very sore hand - No particular news. The natives inland are holding a meeting on the subject of the Roads and the threats said to have been held out, by Rewi - Hamlin is gone. I am expecting a report hourly - and as the overland mail is running regularly I will forward at once the survey of the road between the forest on the Rotorua side and Te Niho-o-te-kiore is progressing fast. The Ngaiterangi are securing their wheat crops. The Europeans have been doing mischief in regard to pay for road work. They are inclined to go in for daily pay. I believe Mr. Grace is at the bottom of it - However I will not alter one bit from what has been proposed. If they won't come to terms they must leave it but it is very disgusting to meet with all these obstacles raised by one's own Countrymen. I am sorry to find that the contractors have offered the Europeans daily pay at 4/- (this however the Europeans will not take). It is reviving a system that we are anxious to break through and will do harm - the natives are full of it, and it does appear to me at first sight as though the Europeans were soliciting the natives to combine with them with the hope of getting higher rates. I have sent some memoranda for your approval one is for tools for the Unewera and the other to authorize me to make further provision in land for the Ngaitenuaraweho hapu. The principal men of which have just surrendered. I have telegraphed to Halse for answers to some of mu old applications - especially with regard to telegraph - you will remember that I made certain recommendations which you told me you had approved and I have never had an official intimation of approval. My telegram has not been answered yet altho' sent two days ago - I wish Mr. Halse would wake up. If you want any assistance in Wellington, I shall be glad to help you if I can be spared from the North. very faithfully yours, Hy. T. Clarke