August 24/71 My dear McLean, Nothing new since my last. I have an application from Ahipene Kaihau for a loan of £20 to enable himself and twenty of his people to go to the meeting at the Kuiti. I mean to let him have it. King writes that the question for discussion is "wherein" was Tawhiao to blame for the war that his and his people's land in Waikato should be taken this does not look very promising. I hope that you will not forget the settlement of the Compensation claims. The subject of Buckham's last reports. All the papers will be found in the Col. Secy. office or in your own. These claims are a standing sore and I have frequent deputations about them. I wrote you some time ago about Tirimata's case against Marshall asking for authority to incur legal expenses to the extent of £50, but have had no answer. I am going to the Thames tomorrow and will make another effort to establish some kind of regular communication with Tauranga if it can by any means be done quietly and without risque of a break down. The Native Lands Frauds Prevention work is troublesome, but I believe that it is really doing good and I will carry it on as long as I can. I have barred swindle at any rate and made other operators very cautious in their proceedings, Yours very truly, Daniel Pollen 4. If any person shall impede or endeavour to impede, any negociation for purchase of such lands as aforesaid conducted by or on behalf of the Crown or shall dissuade or endeavour to dissuade the Native Owners from selling the same or treating for the sale of the same to the Crown on its behalf or shall encourage or assist any Native owners or pretended owners in preventing the Crown from taking possession of any land sold to it by the rightful owners thereof, such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanour.