Auckland, August 24, 1870. Private. My dear Mr. McLean, I have received your private note of the 18th inst. I know you are very busy and will try and be concise. With regard to The negotiations have fallen through - Mr. Fenton's judgment has nothing to do with the failure - but some Europeans are at the bottom of it - O'Keeff and Co - Mr. Fentons judgment was sent to the Native Office 28 July 1870 - ''Judgment in Whakaharatau Claim''. I am very glad that you have pleased to stop the extension of the Telegraph line - As I expected Pineaha and the Piako opositionists were furious, and sent to Puckey to know what all this meant - that he would cut down the present line - Puckey went and Pineaha and party mollified accordingly. When you come back here which I presume you are after the session I would strongly suggest a visit to Piako - One word from you will go a great deal further than any number of explosions from the little guns. I am very much troubled about the Bay of Plenty District I mean the Arawa - They have been dreadfully neglected and I feel that I must go amongst them - I purpose going next week and shall be away from Auckland about three weeks - How is it that Hamlin has not yet come? - I feel strongly on the subject because I feel sure that we shall repent it one day - (This is to you only) - We feel the loss of the ''Tauranga'' very much the communication is very uncertain. Would it not be as well to establish an overland Mail via Ohinemuri and make Te Hira interested in it? I think politically the subject should be considered. I hear Mackay would be very glad to get employment again - there are very many good points about Mackay and his untiring energy is not one of the least - What is your own feeling in the matter? I think Mackays late misfortunes have humbled him. And he is one of those better under the control of the Government than out of it. It would not do for him to remain at the Thames. He might do at Waikato for he is easily managed and amenable to instructions - He is not a good office man - but very good in the field - I understand he has been invited to the great Waikato meeting that is to come off. We are going to move our office into the Britomart Barracks - to the house we were looking at. Mr. Hamley's office - this building with all thereto belonging has been made over to the Auckland Institute and I do not see any reason why we should not move out at once - They very frequently use the large Room at night and I do not half like exposing the safety of the papers - I write officially on the subject - I must close this hurried line - wish you good luck with your Native Estimates. Very faithfully yours, Hy. T. Clarke.