Thames 10.5.70 My dear Clarke The news in addition to what I wrote you yesterday is to the effect thatpoor old Taraia is on his death bed - this is attributed to 'Makutu' Tukukino is supposed to be at the bottom of the matter since he took away Taraia's wife some time back. This news in addition to the report in circulation here as to Mere Unuru having made request for the N. L. C. to sit at Ohinemuri has so touched of Moananui that he declares he will go up immediately behind the Judge of the N. L. C. and open up the country - it appears that he is under the impression the action of the N.L.C. must open it and he does not wish anyone else to have the glory of doing it - This of course is mere rumour - but it has nevertheless obtained universal credence, and hearing of the approaching death of his uncle Ereatara has gone up to Ohinemuri while Meha has gone off to raise the tribe and follow. Kipa one of Te Hiras young men told me it was correct that their party instructed Sheehan to appear for them in the Land Court - The Hauraki Natives think it a great hardship to have to go to Auckland to fight out the Beach claims question and as they are not flush of money at present it undoubtedly is a hardship. The telegraph is going on all right it will I an told be finished as far as the turrets on the Waihou today or tomorrow, there was a little shindey between Riwai and some of Mahenga's men the other day but I made it all right with him, and since then everything has been going on swimmingly - no payment demanded unless a concession is made to Ngatipaoa. Up to the time of the scuffle Riwai was strong for payment for the wire passing over the ground, but since I gave him £5 out of my own pocket for his fence having been taken down he has been as good as possible. Yours very sincerely E. W. Puckey