Thames September 5th. 1871. My dear Sir, I send enclosed herwith, a letter from W.H. Taipori and others, with respect to Agents appearing on behalf of Natives in Native Land Courts. The object of this letter is in order to exclude Mr. Mackay from conducting the case of natives who may bring forward claims in the N.L.C. opposed to them, in respect of the portion of Te Aroha they have agreed to cede to the Government, on account of the new clause sought to be inserted in the new Native Land Act, excluding lawyers from conducting claims of natives. W.H. Taipori thinks (and I think, correctly) that if lawyers should not conduct cases in the Native Land Courts, that Agents should be excluded in like manner. He is also going to write to you, with respect to passing the Block of land at Te Aroha above referred to, through the Court; that is, in order that in so doing they might not be acting contrary to Government wishes in the matter. I have detained the application to the Court in order to ascertain your wishes on that point. I have no doubt whatever now, of succeeding in the purchase of those portions of the foreshore in which Rapana holds no interest. I have sent to Tuapipi, inviting him to go to Ohinemuri, to assist us in arranging for the daily transmission of telegrams between this place and Tauranga, if only during the Session of the House. I have also been consulting with the owners of the land between Thames and Whangamata, with regard to the extension of the telegraph to Whangamata. They have expressed themselves as being perfectly ready and willing to go with me and ascertain the most practicable route for it. I think, perhaps, as "utu" for his resistance to the mail, Te Hira may not oppose the telegraph between Mataroa and Waihi. This remains however to be rpoved. I shall not mention the matter to him until I see what can be done with the transmissions of telegrams. Tarapipipi promised me some few weeks ago, to assist me in this undertaking; but the weather is so bad that I am afraid it will be some days before he is here. Moananui is still at Ohinemuri; and he would help me if he would, but is so selfish and indifferent. I will, however, hold out inducements to him, which possibly he may not resist. At any rate I shall do my best to carry him with me. Te Hira did not go to the Meeting at Tohanga- -mutu, which did not come off. Tarapipipi came here to fetch Dr. Pallem and myself to go there with him to the Meeting, but as we did not go, neither did he, I do not think it will be long before Tarapipipi is openly on our side. He is a fine fellow, and will be a valuable friend. The rest of the Hau Hau natives at Piako (when I came here a very hornet's nest of Hau Haus) are greatly changed. I think it would be a good thing to reply to Tarapipipi's application with respect to the 6000 acres at Pukewhero. The letter was written in December last. It would have a very beneficial effect if they could have the land applied for, or as much as might be available; as by that application they admit the Government boundary of confiscation. Your obedient servant (Signed) E.W. Puckey. To:- The Hon. D. McLean.