Hamilton, 14th May 1870 My dear McLean, I have this evening arrived from Alexandra and the upper portion of my District but heard no news, except that Te Tapihana and same of his followers from Kawhia are expected up country immediately to act as a kind of patrol on the confiscation boundary as far as wharipapa in consequence I believe of some Europeans going up as far as Orahiri a short time ago and almost meeting King Tawhiao Te Wheoro and party of seven natives were there last Tuesday evening leaving for Tokangamutu on Wednesday morn, they left Orahiri this morn for Te Kuiti where Hone te One is also to meet them. I hear from Te Kuiti that one of the principal subjects for discussion is the establishment of peace all over the Island without any exceptions. Titokowaru is still coming to Te Kuiti, but his actual whereabouts at present is very questionable, everything at present so far as the Natives are concerned has an air of profound peace and quietness. The King natives come to and fro are friendly and honestly disposed. I had a message from Whitiora (Wiremu Kumute) expressing his regret at hearing I was to leave the Waikato and desiring me not to do so and that he intentds to see me at Te Kopua on my next visit. Alluding to my removal from Te Waikato to Auckland or elsewhere it must be pecuniarily an advantage as no man holding my situation can possibly do his duty and pay for his way out of the present salary attached to my office, I mention this that you may not think my objection removal is founded on pecuniary grounds but rather the breaking up of my Home and removal of wife and family, and I may also farther mention that if my removal is determined upon, I could prefer Auckland to any other place, if you would only (should there be by any accident or other ways an R. M. required in the Waikato) give me a promise of the refusal of the office I should like if there is an opportunity to come back to Te Waikato where I am known and without flattering myself can say am also popular with both races. However I leave the whole matter in your hands, I am quite ready to move at any time when you wish me. And I am, Yours very faithfully, William N. Searancke D. McLean Esquire, AUCKLAND.