Wanganui March 25th /72 My dear Mr.McLean, There is no news of Mairoe to date and Wirihane thinks that the survey is being continued - I am of the same opinion - though I think that this will not affect the natives as regards selling or leasing. Yet as they continue to dispute the boundaries - there is a chance of their selling but the present aspect does not encourage this idea. If you have seen my private report to Mr. Ormond I need not explain further. Probably more light will be thrown on the subject of Murimotu during the meeting that is to take place at Putiki next month. And in any event no result as far as concluding a lease is concerned can be accomplished off hand and at once but the necessary preliminary steps ought to be begun soon. Mr.Worgan shewed me a telegram he was sending to you about Pehimana and Ngaraururu. I hear also from others that their idea is to occupy the land - how far they are prepared to carry out such intentions remains to be seen. I was also told that Titokowaru has been given a strong hint to retain his arms - this may or may not be true. I mentioned the fact of Titiko's message to me as I thought you ought to be made acquainted with it and if you saw that any furtherance of any course of action would be gained by my taking a ride in that direction I was prepared to go I am in very great hast Yours very truly Thos.McDonnell