Maketu 26th. July 1870. My dear Mr. McLean, My last letter to you was dated the 19th. inst., I have written nearly every week to you, from this Post, and I trust that you have got all my letters. Major Mair R.M. returned to Opotiki on the 25th. inst. Capt. Gilbert Mair went to Kaitiriria same date to take his Native Contingent down to Tauranga via Ohinemutu to get paid. I wish you would order that Detachment to make a Bridle Track round Kaitiriria Lake, to join the Wairoa road that was made for the Prince it would be so much better than going by way of Waipa, it could be finished in a fortnight. Capt. Preece past through here yesterday on his was to Tauranga with his pay sheats. I hear news from Tauranga that you are going to withdraw the Native Contingent. By what I can hear, people seemed to be well pleased, about your new Budget, I mean amongst the Working Classes, as they all say it will give them plenty of work in making roads etc. The Telegraph Poles are in the ground about 6 miles on the road to Taupo. I expect if everything goes on alright the Telegraph will be working by October. There has been a Horse Dray up as far as the Taheke Ferry besides the bullock dray. Mr. Blake and. Mr. Warbrick left for Taupo yesterday. The Natives have finished the road from here to the Taheke Ferry. And the Bush has been cut down a chain wide on each side of the road - so as to be clear for the Telegraph Wire. The latest news I have heard of Te Kooti is, that he is still in the Waioeka Gorge, in a very strong position. I heard, this from a Native Source. I will send you my Diary for the months of June and July - by next steamer - Col. Gorton has been to Tauranga. He did not come here. He left yesterday per Steamer for Auckland. Col. Moule seems to be getting on very well as R.M. at Tauranga. He is touching up some of the drinking class, pretty smartly. I will write again next week. Remaining, Yours ever sincerely, Herbert F. Way.