Napier May 28th. 1869. Sir, I have the honor to report -- that the Sturt arrived this morning with Col. Whitmore on board he drove home in a milk cart -- he is suffering it is said from dysentery he is scarcely able to walk -- his resignation has been written this 3 weeks -- he is awfully afraid Herrick will do something -- and is very anxious to get to Wairoa on the other hand he is trying to get to Wellington. The moment he landed Knowles summoned him to be paid -- he has recd. lots of lawyer letters. Locke sent him one for £80 -- on the receipt of the information that the reply to the Governors, Address had passed. Mr. Russell and others were in high spirits and spoke to the effect that passing the reply was an acknowledgment of the House of the correctness of Mr. Staffords Policy and were satisfied with what had been done in the recess. It seems the Volunteers want to elect Capn. Wallace instead of Major Green. In conversing with Col. Lambert a couple of days ago he stated that Col. Whitmore had spoken to Te Kooti at Ahikerreu -- Te Kooti sounded a bugle -- and said here I am the man you seek -- You will never get me -- Whitmore said I hit you in the heel once -- in the breast the second time and the third time I'll strike your heart -- the reply he got was a volley from the natives -- which killed 7 men. Little Preece who has been with Whitmore says that the retreat for Ahikerreu was a defeat virtualy. The dinner to Col. Whitmore was with difficulty got up by Mr. Worgan H.R. Russell and Towgood a good many on being asked replied they would see him somewhere first. I hear Mr. Rhodes is going and perhaps will take the chair but his object in doing so is to put a stop to any political discussion if such should arise. a very curious instance has occurred here on Wednesday a native came into Town from Pakowai and has not since been heard of -- neither horse or himself and the natives have scoured the Country for him. Major Carlyon on the dinner to Whitmore being proposed stated that he was not going to have the Club made a pothouse of -- the reason he had for saying this was that persons who were not belonging to the Club were invited to subscribe their quota for a dinner -- his idea was that they should be simply guests -- I send you Home the condensed particulars of all, that transpires that would interest you by telegram leaves me very little to tell you by letter. Capt. Fairchild who detests Col. Whitmore will take you a small parcel containing 50 pamphlets -- taken in conjunction with Col. McDonnells on the West Coast I imagine it will proof very damaging to the Govt. I think the thing will pay all expenses. Everyone is anxiously looking forward to a good and damaging speech from your Honor -- dont spare them for they deserve no mercy in your hands. They have used their utmost endeavours to detain Ropata and prevent his going -- and I have told him not to go anywhere but on landing to proceed at once to Your Honor. If I have time I will give you a report of the -- that is if the Sturt does not sail tonight. Wishing your Honor every success and good health. I have the hr. to be Sir Your Most obt. st. Geo. W. Fannin.