Wairoa Dec. 26/67 My dear Sir I have just seen Te Rakeroa of te Reinga and he tells me the following, whether it is news to you or not I do not know. On his return from Napier a short time ago he heard from te Whatene that some Hau Haus were at te Pa puni. He went up with Nama to send them back again, he taking one road and Nama another. They met again and proceeded on to te Pa puni with Wi tipuna when they found 70 Hau Haus under Te Kepa and Hemi Tutapa of the Rongo Whaka ata tribe. After some talk Wi tipuna said, "if you wish to take the oath of allegiance come back with us. They all said no. Wi Tipuna then said, then if you do not wish to do so go back and bring no more disturbance here we are all settled peacably with the Pakehas and will have no more strife brought here. They all consented to this and at once started back again to Ruatahuna from thence straight on to Opotiki to fight. I believe Te Rakeroas statement as he has always been pretty truthful but perhaps after all you may have heard it all before as I am quite aware news from inland gets frequently to Napier before it reaches us here. I am my dear Sir faithfully yours S. Deighton