C.C. Office Auckland August 7th. 1863. My dear Sir, In consequence of the Breach of Arms Act case, I have not yet been able to visit the Thames. If nothing intervenes, I purpose going up to Ohinemuri so soon as I hear that the Thames natives are going up. They intend going there in a few days to discuss the question of their lands, which Honana Pititi tells me have been leased wrongfully to certain Pakehas. Their intention is to take the management into their own hands, and lease to the Government. I hear some of Te Kooti's young men are there, and that if Te Hira looks favourably upon them, Te Kooti himself will follow. With regard to the probability of a rupture between Te Kooti and Tawhiao, my opinion is that the Maoris are too far-seeing people to commit so suicidal an act. I do not think they would waste their strength on each other. What little likelihood at first existed when Te Kooti arrived in Waikato, has long ceased to be; and any rumours to the contrary effect, now being circulated by the King Party are, I think, no more, or less, than a blind. I am afraid our friend, Paora Tuhaere, all along knew too much of this powder selling business, yet I am confident if it had not been for his aid in the matter, Te Hapimana would not have divulged. Tours faithfully (Signed) E.W. Puckey N.B. (Signature hard to decipher, may not be as typed.