Kaipara Wednesday 9th May 1872 My dear Sir, I had so much to do in Town on Monday I could not go up. Saw Tohe who promised to meet me on the wharf but he did not appear. I hope he will not be troublesome to you. Col. Russall had a meeting at the Court House yesterday only a few Natives present. Old Keene would not agree to anything definite and nothing was done. They want everything done for them for next to nothing and then they would complain. My reason for writing to you now is to say that I tried all in my power to get from the Keene what took place at the King Meeting. He told me at last that he was not admitted to the private conferences - Pairaura, Hamara and Paora were the parties in whom confidence was placed. That the King was always drunk, that T. Ngapora was the man and he was pakeke and would be opposed to roads and would insist on Ngaruawahia being returned to them. Probably Paul has already told you all this and more. Tear this up. Yours, J. Rogan.