Alexandra July 16th, 1872 My Dear Mr McLean There is very little news stirring Aihipene has not come up yet, a number of packages addressed to him have arrived, The people to whom ploughs were promised are disappointed at not receiving them, as the ploughing season is passing by. I have telegraphed to Mr Kemp who says that the ploughs have to be made in Auckland. Pikia has broken up a large piece of land and is sowing wheat, The Kopua people are putting in a great deal, Whitima too is very busy, he went to Hauturu to see Tawhiao, but did not learn anything of importance. There is a great feeling of discontent among the natives themselves, the common people are dissatisfied with the chiefs, the former are very anxious about the land, and think that the rangatiras will soon commence selling, upon the arrival of some of your presents at Te Kuiti, the question has been asked "what piece of land did you give Te Makarini for those taongas"? this shows how the present policy is weaking the Kingites. It is reported that Te Kooti has said that if the people here do not show him more sympathy he will return to the Eastward, Rewi appears to be the onlychief who takes any notice of him, I cannot make out his motive! Waikato are very jealous because they did not get any portion of the flour and biscuit given to Hauauru, a rumour reached me today that a proposalwould be made for a meeting between the Governor and Tawhiao at Waitara, as being the spot where the quarrel originated. I hope to learn something more about it shortly. I am My dear Mr McLean Yours very truly W.G. Mair