Napier, January 15th, 1871. My dear McLean, I must have my letter ready for the Lord Ashley as she comes and is off again at once. I received your letters by the Taranaki and am satisfied you have plenty on your hands just now. The state of things at Waikato is very much what I expected, and I fear they will have a row whether we like it or not. If you can succeed in separating Ngatimaniapoto or even a section of them from the Waikatos it will be a great thing - From what I learn through Taupo Rewi is thoroughly in with the King party, and as active in promoting mischief as Manuhiri himself - Hamaki a Ngatiraukawa connected with the Taupo people and who travels to and fro told Poihipi Waikato were eager