Hamilton June 28, 1871 My dear Mr. McLean, I forward for your information a report of Edwards (Interpreter) of speeches made at a Native meeting near Tapapa - It appears that the King is desirous of detaching the friendlies from their allegiance - Rice is somewhat lukewarm, but Hargraves is staunch - The Weri, mail to Taupo, and leasing lands beyond the confiscated Boundary appears to be the principal topics of discussion - I understand Friendly Natives are themselves desirous of seeing an Auhati established, and I am of the same opinion still - They find it is very heavy on the pockets, having to feed and clothe their Hau Hau friends and relatives so that it may be attributed in a certain measure to mercenary motives. I am going to put up a new redoubt at Alexandra (now that the Church is removed very nearly on the same site, and propose , pulling down the Hospital and erecting it inside the redoubt - please let me know if I can do so - The road from Ngaruawahia to Whatu Whatu, is being carried on - Commencing at the former place - also making the new road between Ohaupo and Alexandra, where it turns off Mr.Scott's land - I have had to discharge a good many men since I received your authority to do so - Believe me Yours truly William C. Lyon