Alexandra 9th May, 1870 Dear Sir, I wish to thank you privately and on behalf of the Settlers, as I have already done officially for the kindness and liberality you have shewn in granting us £100 towards the erection of the new Bridge over the Mangapiko River - We should have been unable to complete this work only for the timely aid you so kindly afforded us - The Contract for the erection of the Bridge has been taken for £320.0.0 and the work is now in progress. There is very little native news of importance at present - Everything has been remarkably quiet since Te Kooti left our District - Mr.Hetit tells me that ''Rewi'' is coming to live near Otorohanga - The natives are coming down pretty freely disposing of Pigs and horses - The Aukati seems to have been entirely done away with - I hear a rumour that the Kings people are rather sulky about the Telegraph line coming through Taupo, but I know of nothing certain or definite - The people who escorted the Taupo natives back to their homes have returned to ''Kuiti'' - Tuhora arrived here last night on his way up - Wi Pukapuka is starting up today with his ploughs and other goods - The natives are going in extensively for planting wheat this season which is a hopeful sign of peaceful and industrial intentions - I am, Dear Sir Yours faithfully and obliged John D. Hill