Taupo, March 3rd. 1871. Sir, I have the honor most respectfully to bring before your notice my ideas as to the utility of the Taupo District. Knowing the District well and having thoroughly considered the subject, I have come to the conclusion that in the whole colony there is no place so well situated and adapted in every respect for a "Penal Establishement" as Taupo at the Lake, which could be established at a smaller outlay than at any other place, while the permanent changes would be far less; my reasons for arriving at this conclusion, 1st. That all provisions could be grown and raised in the Dis trict by Prison labour, 2nd. For many years a large Constabulary force must be maintained in the district which would be utilized by guarding the Prisoners; 3rd. That large public works must be undertaken in this District which would employ prison labour; 4th. That means of escape are few being the centre of the island and far from any European settlements, and being guarded at all fronta such as Maketu, Tauranga, Napier and Wanganui. In bringing this subject before your notice I have only hinted at the idea - but could bring many arguments forward to show the necessity of some such plan - if not the Taupo District must be the source of immense outlay to the Country while for which there will be no neneficial results. Respectfully apologizing for intruding, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedt., & humble servant, H.S. Woodruffe.