Auckland 28 August /71 Dear Mr. McLean, You will learn by this Mail, that the Waikato Meeting has not yet taken place - The friendly Natives propose starting tomorrow or the day after, and as they are to be entertained on their way, they will in all probability be at least a week on the road. As far as one is able to judge at present, nothing decided has been arrived at, even by - You will also by this Mail receive an official reply from Dr. Pollen to Hargrave's request to him, to accompany them to the Kuiti. Haora Tipa and old Tamati Te Otatu, have been here for the first time since you left - They came to explain how they had replied to Big Tarapipi - Hauhau of Piako, who came in person to request them to go to the Kuiti - They Answered, that if the (old as they were) they would have undertaken the journey, but not otherwise - They each asked for a Plough to be advanced to them wh. was granted by Dr. Pollen to be stopped from their Salary in 3 months. They seemed to be much pleased - I also sent to a License for Sporting Amunitn. in your name, hearing that many of them were sick. It will give you pleasure to hear that the Repeal of the "Spirits Ordinance" is already being beneficially felt, among the Natives, who now are able to get it good and in the quantities, and where they like. Europeans who were selling largely (but in a clandestine way) have been obliged to shut up. The Current of Politics is in favor of Williamson while Gillies gets it from both Papers as you will no doubt see. Clarke came up in the "Ashley" on Saturday who no doubt will communicate with you by this opportunity, With sincere wishes for your health and success I remain Faithfully yours H. T. Kemp