Hamilton 25 May 1871 My dear Mr. McLean - I enclose a return and report of the work on the roads up to the end of April in this district - The weather being very wet about the 22 May, and the parties having completed the portions allotted, I bought them in, and remained here until the 1st of this month, and are now out again. I consider very little work can be done at this season of the year, or-our roads benefited by working in very wet weather when there is much traffic. There are 25 on the Nga and What Whata road, 10 between this and Cambridge, 25 close to Alexandra making and cutting, and 12(?) between here and Ohaupo. I have furnished you by Telegram with the results of the Meetings at Kawhia, and What Whata. Mair was present at the latter, he is at Raglan for a few days - I expect we shall have to walk thro the King Country yet - The natives themselves (friendlies) recommend and Auhati to prevent Kingites from coming into our territory - I have discharged nine men within the last six weeks, for bad conduct and general inefficiency. I have plenty of applicants wishing to enrol, but many are rejected - As officers are allowed 2/6 per diem when employed on the roads, to what am I entitled as officer in general charge - would you authorise 5/- per diem - Carlyon is a very steady man, I have no vacancy at present for a Non Commissioned Officer, but will not forget his interests. Believe me Sincerely yours William C. Lyon