Alexandra 5th. June 1872. My dear Sir George, I received yours of the 2nd. instant. Since my last telegram a party of the Ngatimaniapoto have come to Alexandra and they are very friendly and well disposed. I agree with you that if Rewi would come down a meeting more or less satisfactory might take place, but I hear he is prevented from doing so. Nothing consistent with the respect due to you has been omitted to bring about a meeting with the Waikatos and if they choose to shift their ground as the Hauhau section of them are proverbial for doing, it is not from any neglect on my part. I know the influential chiefs Mr. Gillies refers to and their connection with Manuwhiri whose aim appears to be to place the Governor in the estimation of the Natives in a subordinate position to his nephew Tawhiao. I regret very much that your patience has been taxed so much but I can assure you it is only trifling in degree compared to what former Governors and officials have had to experience in dealing with Native matters. The plan I had laid out in the event of the Waikatos coming to terms was to have a body of influential chiefs to come up with you and to have a demonstration that would impress the natives with the consideration due to the Governor: as however you desire to visit Hamilton and Cambridge I waive my plans and opinions. The McCaskill affair arose out of a dispute about pigs belonging to the Maoris that he was driving off his place with dogs, a scuffle ensued, McCaskill fired at the Maori who has been considered in a dangerous state but is likely to recover - McCaskill is in custody. A party of Ngatiraukawas from the Waotu are here and Natives are continually dropping in from all parts and even if a meeting with the leading Kingits does not take place a great amount of good will be effected and the way paved for an adjustment on favourable terms of all difficulties. I remain ec Donald McLean.