Private Tauranga 6th Jan 1871 My dear Mr. McLean, I hear that you will be in Auckland today so I am directing this letter to you for Auckland. I am very sorry to hear that Te Hira as stopped the Intended Overland Mail from here to the Thames but I was not at all surprised at it. As Warbrick made such a talk about it, as I hear that he was going to pitch tents on the road for the men to stay in who were going to carry the Mails I am also sorry that you did not ask me to have taken your despatches through like I did in the olden days for you. I could have managed twice a week for you -doing all the work myself. But now as the thing is known, I doubt if it could be done, but when I carried your despatches formerly I used to pass through Ohinemuri at night time and I am certain that if it had been carried out in the same way, as I used to do it, there would not have been a word said about it as the natives at Kati Kati at Waihi and at Ohinemuri never knew that I was carrying despatches. Please not forget me if I can do any work for you. I hope to have my unfortunate legs alright in a few days. H. R. H. Duke of Edinburgh has sent me through Major Mair a beautiful Present, also, his Photo as I Memento of the Visit to the Rotorua District which I shall always prize, as long as I live. No news in this part, except news by the steamer about the Waikato. I hope that it will be all quiet in that part soon. Remaining yours ever sincerely, Herbert F. Way