Alexandra Sept. 27, 1871 My Dear Mr McLean I hope ere this reaches you that you will have read my report on the Kuiti meeting. I am sanguine that great good will come of it. From the manner in which we were treated it is evident that a great change has come over the King party, apart from what took place at the meeting a great deal occurred to show that a friendly feeling is now uppermost and that with careful management a great deal may be done towards coming to a friendly settlement. The fact alone of their having thrown aside that reserve with which they have been so closely fenced about for years, is a great deal. Rewi is evidently the head and his manner is very cordial, there is a great deal in him to admire. Tawhiao too means well and if we can manage these two the rest will be very simple work. Rewi says that when you parted from him at Te Kopua, he said "haere ki te kimi i te rakau hei patu i au" but instead of a "rakau" you sent me! from which he is satisfied that you are disposed to be friendly. He will be at Kopua in a few days planting for the meeting in summer. I cannot make out exactly what Manuwhiri feeling is, but others interpret favourably, and I do not think that he will oppose Rewi in anything. You will have heard no doubt that they have invited Ngapuhi to Te Kuiti, I do not think that there is anything political in it, it was the wish of Potatau ("kia mau ki Ngapuhi") but I think that the visit might be turned to account. If Ngapuhi should not accept it will not make any difference as far as we are concerned. The Kupapa chiefs spoke very well, Te Wheoro is a capital fellow and possesses great weight with the Hau hau party. I am My Dear Mr McLean Yours very truly W. G. Mair I believe that Wi Pukapa is going to Wellington. P. S. I wrote some months since to the Govt Printer to send the Hansard here instead of Opotiki as formerly, but I have not received it, nor any of the Parliamentary Papers.