Auckland August 24, 1870 My dear McLean, I do not in the least expect that you should reply to my notes unless they seem to require it. You must have more than enough to do, as even I know a little of what sessional work is. In fact I had nothing new to say to you and I was aware that Clarke kept you well informed of all that transpired. I have put a stop to for the present at least to the Tauranga telegraph line; I did not like to say anything to you about it before as no reference was made to me in the matter and my knuckles are still a little sore from Fox and Gisborne's very resolute knocks in regard to Firth; but it would I think be a mistake to attempt to push that line just now. Dixon is a man of straw without money or credit and his influence or pretended influence with the natives is simple ''bosh''. You will see that Puckey has not succeeded in buying the native rights to the mud at the Thames. He is a very good fellow but not much of a negociator particularly in a case like that where Pakeha interests were concerned. There is a gathering at Te Kuiti to meet the Arawa. I cannot, nor can Clarke, find out yet what the number of the Arawa deputation is but Tawhiao does not appear quite easy as he has asked the Raglan Kupapas to go armed to the meeting. The idea of the ''right to the right'' is being assiduously worked in every direction and with great success. I rejoice to see that you have got means for keeping up a strong defence. Peace is in depend upon it. The Uriweras are I am afraid playing double and have not yet given up their love or fear of Te Kooti and his works. The Land Court will sit at Ohinemuri; I have not thought it desirable to interfere this time but let the experiment be tried the more particularly as Fenton has not himself said anything about it. Nothing here but rain, rain, half of lower Waikato is under water and there is nothing to be heard but complaints of hard times. Yours very truly, Daniel Pollen