Thames July 14th 1871 My dear Sir Matters here are going on much as they were when you were here last - The natives are still considering the Beach question they are going to have a meeting about in a few days now, it would have come off before only for the absence of Hohepa Paraone at Coromandel he has just returned - the only opponent that I am afraid of Rapana I think I can safely say that all the rest are in favor of selling their rights. With respect to the Aroha matter, Taipari and I saw Mr Clarke and subsequently Dr Pollen, and it has been decided to keep the matter in abeyance until Waikato are easier in their minds. Taipari has nearly the whole of Ngatimaru with him in the matter and I have sent a trustworthy native to Te Aroha to sound the Hauhau portion of Ngatimaru resident at Te Aroha as to their feelings with respect to the survey bearing in mind however the wishes of the Govt. with reference thereto, in order that by and bye no time may be lost. I am not at all sanguine at present as to the completion of Telegraph between Katikati and Thames. but of course I will do all I can to further the views of the Govt. in the matter - With respect of the missing mail the Kiriwera absolutely refuse to give it up unless a pledge is given that no more attempts will be made to carry the mail - I have had a secret message telling me that Te Hira will now oppose the mail by force, and that he will content himself with merely saying it shall not pass - and I telegraphed to Dr. Pollen telling him this asking if I should send Hopihona with a mail to try - he replied that he thought it would be better to let Te Hira alone for the present - Te Hira leaves for Taranaki in about a fortnight. I was told yesterday by Tukaramaina a near relation of the late Hitahi te Taniwha that in fifteen months time it was the intention of Tawhiao to be again living at Ngaruawahia I could not get anything more out of him - this was told me as a great secret and I give it to you for what it is worth. He has promised to let me know anything more he may hear about it hereafter. Your most obedt. st. E. W. Puckey