Auckland Novr. 28th, 1871 My dear McLean, You have not said what you wish to be done about communication with Tauranga. I think a formal contract with such fuss as old Warbrick made might fail again. If the very impatient public would be content to get messages through two or three times a week that can be done at a moderate cost and when the line is finished to Kati Kati will be easy; I see that tenders have been invited at Tauranga and I dont like to do anything which might traverse your plans down there. I shall be glad to hear from you on this point. The Dixons have had great trouble to find sureties; they are in very bad odour generally I hope however that their contract has got signed today and that the line will be open in 4 months from this time. Te Hira has called a meeting and finally announced that all opposition to the line by the coach was ended. Tahau has come down to Shortland and is going back to Taupo. I was obliged to give them flour as they are in common with all the Ohimemuri people very nearly starving. The Provincial Council is sitting and I think that on the whole Auckland is content with its share of the "plunder". There is a point in connexion with the Native Frauds Prevention Act which I have raised and which I shall be glad to have settled. Whether or not the Act has been brought into legally. Luck and Sheehan smart young lawyers I am told think that it is not in operation and some transactions with Natives in regard to land for and about the Kaipara Railway have not been submitted to me for that reason. I have had about 200 deeds to examine and certify; the work is hard but I believe that real good is being done and I am content. "fishy" transactions will in future be less frequent. There is nothing new, who is coming up here? I want a holiday badly, I have not had leave ever since I have been an official, even for a week. Yours always truly, Daniel Pollen