Tauranga 16th June 1870 My dear Sir, I received your Telegram via Taupo and have forwarded an official report on the state of the District it is necessarily very meager as there is really little or nothing to report. Mr. Commissioner Clarke has just returned from the Lakes and reports the Natives inland as being very peaceful. The Ngatirangis under Enoka are making a really good road from Mataphi to the Beach going towards Maketu and planting the sides with willows. Enoka and his people are camped near their work. I hear that Mr. Searancke frighted Mr. Barstow about the amount of work to be done in the District. I can safely say that not more than half of Searancke's time was taken up h with his duties. Of the mover and seconder to get up a petition for Mr. Searancke to remain in Waikato one was Corporal Rothwell the other a drunken Private named McPherson. Everything works smoothly and quietly in this District. I remain my dear Sir, Yours very truly, W. Moule The Hon. D. McLean, Native & Defence Minister, WELLINGTON. P. S. I enclose a letter just received from Mr. Swindley at Opotiki. W. M.