Wellington 26th. October 1870 My dear Sir George, I have just heard from Taupo that several of the Hau Haus, including those on the West side of the Lake, have attended a Meeting at Poihipi's place; and express a strong desire to be employed on roads. Mr. Locke and Mr. Bold are up there, and will provide work for them. An Officer has gone up to Wairarapa to pay the natives 5 per cent due to them on lands that have been sold in that valley. A good many natives who have been adherents of Te Kooti, are surrendering from time to time. The Taranaki Flax Companies have applied for 50 Constabulary at Opunake; about twenty will be sufficient to station there, and these must be employed on Public Works. I leave next week for Manawatu and the West Coast. In reference to the "Luna", I will use every endeavour to have her in Auckland in sufficient time for the Duke of Edinburgh, but could not spare her so soon as you propose for undergoing alterations in cabin. There is a great amount of Colonial work urgently required at this season of the year; for instance, all the Constabulary and other posts have to be visited, fresh arms and ammunition issued, and preparations made for any contingency that may arise with the natives. This could not be done under £40 a day by chartering other vessels; and I feel certain you would not approve of any such expenditure. Fairchild tells me he can get the cabin and expansion ready in 9 days, by working over hours. I will use every endeavour to be at Auckland in time to go with you to the Rotorua Lakes. I would suggest that it would be much more comfortable for the Duke of Edinburgh and you to go to Tauranga in the "Blanche." The "Luna" could then take you to Maketu and thence the journey is overland to Rotorua, and the road now very tolerable. Fox arrived from the Rangitikei yesterday, looking quite fresh. Gisborne and I are grinding away at the everlasting office work. I hope Lady Bowen and all the children are well, and that you are enjoying the change to Auckland. I remain My dear Sir George Yours sincerely (Signed) Donald McLean. Wellington 26th. October 1870. To:n Sir George Grey.