Confidential. Auckland February 3 1873. Dear Mr. McLean, I was much obliged to you for your kind note and should have written you on my return from Waikato but was fearful of being deemed officious and presuming. I called on Mr. Bush at Raglan and told him what I had heard etc. and I also saw Mr. Kemp, but I suppose it would have been better to have communicated with you directly although I had not much of interest to tell you. When I started for Te Kuiti I was under the impression that a great meeting was about to be held at Maungatautari to be attended by Tawhiao, Te Wheti of Taranaki and other Maori oracles and that yourself and His Excellency would be specially invited by Tawhiao. On my arrival there I learned that no invitation had been forwarded to you and I laboured hard to induce both Manuwhiri and Rewi to send an invitation. I was told in reply that the proposed gathering was simply to consider the action taken by Heteri Te Paerata and others with regard to the opening of Te Nihootekiore road in the Tatua block of land at Taupo, already passed through the Native Lands Court. I saw at once that the business of the meeting was very limited and I tried to make the range wider -- to invite you and to discuss the points of disagreement know to exist between the Kingites and the Pakehas, but Manuwhiri, Manga and the others thought that they would be committing themselves should an invitation emanate from them. They said, moreover, that Governor Grey should be present at the discussion, he having originated the Waikato war, that Sir George Bowen was not accountable for the troubles which had befallen both races. I gathered from them this idea, that it would be far better for you to pay them a visit uninvited, when it would be convenient to yourself, when an opportunity would be afforded you and themselves to discuss calmly and quietly matters affecting the well-being of both races. Manuwhiri, Manga and the other Chiefs spoke very kindly of you saying that you are prudent, thoughtful and well disposed. I was very glad to hear them speak thus of you because it makes one so full of hope that a speedy settlement of exisiting difficulties will be brought about by your exertions. The propositions by Mackay as detailed to me by the persons to whom Mackay addressed himself at Pekanui when he saw Tawhiao were:-- 1. Acknowledgement of Maori King who was to hold supreme authority within his own boundaries. 2. Commission to enquire into all matters in dispute. 3. General amnesty -- condonation of all Maori criminals. 4. Restoration of confiscated lands. Boundaries commencing at Waikato Heads, thence along the Waikato stream to a point where it goes on to Hauraki, thence to Tauranga etc. etc. including the English Waikato and Waipa settlements. Mr. Staffords name was used by Mr. Mackay in connection with the above propositions -- at least the native chiefs assured me that Mackay declared him Stafford to be the author of these propositions, though I suspect that Mr. Stafford would scarcely entrust Mackay to execute so delicate a duty even if the former had continued in power. Regarding the Tuhua gold country Manga mooted the subject to me. He said there should not with his consent be any Europeans introduced there. If gold existed he would get the Maoris he said to work the mines. He said also there was no doubt as to the gold in quantities at Tuhua, but I did not consider him competent to form an opinion on the subject. Regarding roads etc. through the King country it was argued that those should be under their local management and that when the boundary question was settled the boundary between the King Party and the Pakehas, then the King Party would turn its attention to the opening of roads, the social condition of the people, and the advantages to be derived from peaceful relations with the European race. Regarding the Maungatautari I am glad you are not there. It will be much more dignified and I think much more likelihood of beneficial results, for you to see Tawhiao and party at their own Kainga when it will suit you. I think these are no other points likely to interest you in relation to my late visit to Waikato, and I trust you will give me credit as regards my sincere desire to serve you in the cause of peace, which means the prosperity of both races. With much respect, I remain Yours very truly, C.O. Davis. Hon. D. McLean M.L.C.