Auckland 11th Jan 1874 My dear Sir, I arrived here late last evening after making my inspection in Waikato. I enclose copy of a letter handed by me to Col. Lyon at Hamilton. He read it and did not say anything, but looked a little unhappy about it. Things generally in Waikato were better than at my previous visit, but there is still room for improvement. When at Cambridge in June last I ordered the Redoubt to be put in repair, but now find it has been levelled and nothing put up in its place. The Pukekuru Redoubt, in charge of Sub Inspr. Newell, is quite a model post, the work being in perfect order with a good well of water and a suitable magazine, superior huts for the men and the detachment well clothed and drilled --- After my tour of inspection I will report to you officially on the perfect state of everything at this station. At Orakau the Blockhouse was filthy. At the Ford Redoubt, which is in charge of a Non Commd. Officer, nothing could be worse. Throughout the District the men were well clothed and their arms clean and in good order. The horses are in fair order with the exception of three reported unfit for service being knocked up by Mr. Mackay's people. The Mounted men are going through a course of drill at Alexandra which they very much need. The Patrol duty, which is now discontinued, interfered with the drill of the men who were mounted at the time of Sullivan's murder. I see the Auckland Police tomorrow and leave for Tauranga the following day. I remain my dear Sir, Yours very truly, W. Moule The Honble D. McLean, C.M.G. Native Minister