Auckland September 23 1871 My dear McLean, You will get by the Mail all the news I have of the Meeting at Te Kuiti. It is I think on the whole very promising. They appear to be letting themselves down peg by peg and it is a process in which they should be carefully and tenderly assisted or at least not interfered with. The letter of which Manning spoke, from Ngapuhi and Rarawa, appears to have got to its destination although Mair does not mention it. Good might come from the Ngapuhi visit to the Kuiti if one could be that they would be strong to insist upon that stumbling block to reconciliation the shielding of Todds murderers being removed. If we cant get everything however we must be content and patient. I sent Puckey to Ohinemuri on the "take" of the native interests in miners rights to try and get the telegrams through. Tarapipipi has loyally helped and I think it will be quietly effected next week. If we could hang a few of the newspaper correspondents who swarm every where things would go better. Mackay is going up on Tuesday and will feel for the Telegraph line all depends upon the King party. If they withdraw their opposition there will be no more trouble and I think we may hope for that before long. that before long. Kemps report of Tahau's state of mind is good. Te Kooti's case is not very encouraging for his friends. Kemp thinks that Tahau is not half such a rascal as Paora Toki. I am afraid that the Taniwi settlement will be a failure and that not more than two or three of Paora's lot will go to Cabbage Bay. I ought to hear from Mair today; if I get anything before the Wellington leaves it will send a message, but I think you have a pretty clear outline of the affair in his message. I go to the Thames on Monday about the Beach. The weather is fine at last, Yours very truly, Daniel Pollen