Tauranga July 1st 1871 My dear Mr McLean There are several matters touched upon in your telegrams lately received which it was impossible to reply to intelligently by telegraph owing to the length of explanations necessary - You ask whether it will be possible to carry the telegraph line by way of Hikutaia without exciting any great amount of opposition from the natives. In reply I would say that I do not think that there would be much opposition if we go the right way to work. I think it can be done. I have been informed and I think the information is correct that Meri Kuru - in a casual conversation with Mackay made (in effect) the following remark "Why do the Government persist in wishing to carry the line through Ohinemuri. Why don't they select some other line to the Thames" - Mackay pricked up his ears at this - proposed the matter to McKenzie and the present offer is the result. A guarantee has also been given that the work shall be completed - But before anything is done with the Natives it is necessary that we should come to some understanding amongst ourselves. I mean in reference to Dixon's Contract. You mention in your telegram to me that faith must be kept with Dixon. Now the truth is faith has already been broken with Dixon - the part of the line between this and Katikati was a portion of Dixons Contract. Dixons line then went through Ohinemuri to Hikutaia - the projected new line goes along the coast and is a new line as far as Hikutaia - These points are important and ought to be settled first - If Dixon insists upon carrying out his contract let him begin at Ohinemuri - if he can carry it through Ohinemuri without molestation it will be a guarantee that the work will be completed - and it will be a good test and may save the Government great expence. For my own part I have no faith in Dixon, he has not the means - and the natives he relies on will let him through. I have had two or three long consultations with Pollen on the matter and have promised to do my best - in conjunction with any one to ensure success - As you say - the one great object is to get the line through peaceably never mind by what agency it is accomplished - "Kati tena" - Perhaps you were surprised at my telegram saying that I was sorry the order for Mair going to Te Whetu Ngatiraukawa meeting had been countermanded - Pollen evidently has quite mistaken your letter sent by the "Luna" I have a note now before me which I received from Pollen by the "Ringleader" in which he states "I have orders to allow Mair to go to Te Whetu" - Your telegram to Mair is quite clear and satisfactory and how Pollen could have made such a blunder I don't know. My only wish for Mair to be present was to get a report out of him and to see whether his views and Lockes agreed. The day after I landed here I got a mysterious and confidential communication from Warbrech informing me that there was a party headed by J.A. Wilson hatching a plot to get me moved from the District - I replyed thanking him for the information - but that while my conscience was at rest in regard to all that I had done, I did not fear any man - I am going to open my commission on the 17th Inst. under "Tauranga District Lands Act" I have delayed to the present as it would interfere with the Public Works. I wish you would consider the matter whether or not it would be as well for me to make Tauranga my head quarters instead of Auckland. Most of my time must be spent here - that is of course unless you have some other views regarding me - I could not very well break up my establishment in Auckland till after December next without loss, but I really think under present circumstances, it would be as well, even altho' I cannot travell much - In great haste Yours faithfully Hy. T. Clarke