Auckland December 19, 1871 My dear McLean, The contracts for the Telegraph to Katikati is signed at length and the work begins today from the Shortland side. There was delay in the first instance on the part of Dixons in getting the necessary sureties and then unfortunately Sheath, fell sick but now I think the work will go on. There are indications of renewed opposition on the part of the King's party outside, but I do not attach any great importance to it. Pineaha te Wharekowhai is apparently the operator this time and he wants probably a little money. I am going to get a Post Office at the Paeroa and mean to ask for a small subsidy for the Steam Launch having to run daily to and from Thorpes so that we shall be able to have frequent communication with Tauranga. I will go up the river again as soon as I can get away and see what is going on. Te Wheoro makes a suggestion that the Government might step in and deal with both parties for the Aroha; it will be a source of trouble if it is not settled. I will put feelers out amongst the Thames people on the first opportunity. I hear nothing from Waikato of any interest. The weather is dry and hot and unfavorable for the crops. The natives are beginning to be uneasy for their harvest of potatoes and fear the hemo kai for the winter. I suppose we shall see you after a while, meantime I wish you the compliments of the season and am yours always truly, Daniel Pollen