Auckland 11 October 1871 Dear Mr. McLean, The Steamer with the Mail sails early tomorrow morning, and as the Luna has not made her appearance yet, I have engaged a passage for Wm.Pukapuka by this opportunity, and he was getting anxious to be on his way South. the Natives from the Bay are not yet returned but I expect them by the next Vessells. Wiremu Te Akeoro was here for three days and gave us his own impression of the final result likely to come from the Meeting now over which is considered in the light of a preliminary one. The Southern Cross of today has taken a reasonable view of the whole matter which I think will be satisfactory to you. Wi Te Wheoro seems to be now entrusted with the arrangements for the final issue. He is in good spirits, and looks forward with interest to the next Meeting as one of considerable importance. He moreover believes that the Murderers will be given up as soon as things are settled, as the closing act. I am sorry to say that the Trail continues much in the same state. Puckey has made another effort but failed. Having seen all the parties concerned when I went to enquire for Tahou I came to the conclusion that some proposals of a substantial kind might be made, and made a Mem, for Dr. Pollen, a Copy of which has been sent by this mail - It has of course direct reference to the and not to the mere carrying of the mail. I am informed that something like a £100 a year is paid in 2 £50 sums to natives as Linemen, and it is not unlikely that these very men would learn this on their visits to Tauranga and Katikati. I also saw that Moananui is making Ohinemuri his Headquarters and to have his cooperation he must be helped out of his difficulties for altho he, has become striclly a Teetoteller he is under a constant nervous fear of being pounced upon wh. he will never submit to and to this end he would fall back upon the Kiriweras as a support. ( - Macky promised Pollen to do everything with the mail - but has failed also) - I think the should negotiated for and established without reference to the carrying of the mail which should now be left for the present. No proposition or even allusion has been made by me to the Natives on the subject named in the Memn. - of course it would require to be gently handled. "Tahau" is I have every reason to believe at home planting, as Puckey has been up there now some few days, his absence for any time would have been fully known by the Natives in the District. I remain, Yours faithfully H. T. Kemp Clarke's information about Tahau came from a native of Katikati & a half caste. Tahau told me that he had heard of two similar persons having proposed to arrest him and sent them timely warning. He has made communications with Taipari - Nikereuki and other leading chiefs as to his remaining in the Hauraki Dist., and with reference to the mail question expresses his intention of taking our part in it. Shall hear more probably tomorrow.