Auckland, Nov. 13th/ 1872 My dear McLean, I enclose Ahipene's letter which Mackay gave me. He told me that it was only an application for food of which it appears they are in great need at the Palace. There is nobody at the Kuiti; the King was at Pakanui; Manuhiri out on the hills getting Mamaku and fern root. Mackay thinks that Tawhiao means peace now although he has still turbulent followers. I believe he (Mackay) means to make a report of what transpired. He was received and took care that it should be so understood, as a private person, having no authority from or connexion with the Government. The idea is to have a commission one half European and one half Maories to meet and discuss the "situation" and to suggest terms of settlement. It is something to have got even so far. I am sorry to hear from Ormond that you are invalid after the battle of the session. He seems very jolly now that he is out of harness and I can understand it. There has been some misunderstanding about the timber for the Luna. A few days ago I received a Telegram from the Col. Architect to call for tenders deliverable at Wellington on the 14th, for matai, Kauri, Totara, and Scotch pine timber. The advt. is published but it looks so like a Wellington sham that I don't think any one here will tender. Fairchild said his orders were to go to the Bay, get coals and go to Tauranga. When he got your message about the timber he wanted to know where it was and I could only shew him the advertizement. The timber required is of size not usually cut and would have to be got specially so that there must be some delay supposing tenders to be made and accepted. In the mean time the Luna has gone to the Bay and will be at the Kawau on Saturday or Sunday next where I can communicate with her if necessary. Honourable members are about to meet their constituents and give an account of their stewardship as it is called. There will be some fun for spectators during the operations. All else is flat and times dull. Farmers dolefully looking for labour and finding none at rates; that they can pay. The most flourishing industry is brewing and distilling. The consumption of beer is awful and on pay nights Cawkwells whiskey which like another famous spirit is "warranted to kill at forty rods" fills all the country Publics along the railway line with bodies "dead drunk". Are you coming this way when recruited? Yours always truly, Daniel Pollen