Hamilton 29th. November 1869 My dear McLean, Thanks to a very sharp attack, I have had, of rheumatism (my first), I have been quite laid up. I was at Rangiriri last week, and saw Te Wheoro there. He seems to think, with me, that the King natives should be invited, in the first place, down to a Meeting at Rangiriri, with the Kupapa's; when their views and general ideas could be ascertained to some extent, previous to the Governor going up to Tokangamutu to visit them, as it might be that they would propound some of their wild notions, which the Governor could not comply with. In that case, he would be placed in a very unpleasant position. This is an idea of my own, and one on which I should like to have your views. If you think a Meeting down in the Waikato, in the first place, would be judicious, I will see to its being carried out in a proper manner. I was very sorry not to see Wi Pukahapuka, Te Hura, and the others, on their way up to Tokangamutu, but at that time I was unable to sit on horseback. A great number of natives from above are passing through towards Auckland, and numbers digging gun about here. Since your visit, a much more healthy feeling exists among the settlers, and land in demand, and on the rise. We have also a party of Han Hau sheep shearers going through the district, and doing very well on the whole. The prospects of the Waikato are looking up at the present time; more so than I have known previously. We have now given up looking forward to panics, etc. I go to Eaglan next week; the following week all round the upper Waikato; and the next week - (Christmas) to Rangiriri, and probably Mercer - and am, Yours very faithfully (Signed) William N. Searancke. To:- D. McLean Esq. Auckland.