Auckland July 22, 1871 My dear McLean The big ship was to have sailed this morning early but has not got away. Since I wrote you last night I have received from Puckey a message that the Hauraki Natives have been invited to Te Kuiti on the 30th and I gave him a general reply that Gov. did not care to encourage such meetings but that the Thames chiefs were free to follow their own course in the matter. I have sent copies of all the papers to Nat. Minister at Wellington assuming that you would have left Napier. I dont know what to say about this great meeting - if the Aroha case is to be discussed in the temper which shows itself on the side of the Waikatos in driving off cattle etc.etc. it bodes no good, but there is always a hope in Maori politics that some unexpected good result may be suddenly arrived at and therefore I don't think it will be well to say No absolutely to this meeting. Old Te Hira has gone there and from thence to Taranaki. It would be a great comfort if the respectable old man were to stop there with Titokowaru and Wi Kingi we might then get our wire and our gold field without trouble. Yours very truly Daniel Pollen