had left him after the Whakatane fight in which they sustained great losses. This intelligence as I have given it you came from Lord Henry to Waipukerau so that it is far from trustworthy - the conclusions he seems to have drawn from Te Kooti's retirement into the Urewera country are that all is secure again. My impression is that it was necessary to look out for him again on the Coast very likely at or near Wairoa particularly if Te Waru has any force at Waikaremoana. His Lordship I conclude is acting as agent for Ministers altho' they dare not gazette him what a pass the country is coming to when such a panic stricken ass as he, is trusted with the peace of district. I am anxious to hear from you how far our movement for a speedy meeting of the Assembly is being taken up at the South - if as I trust they will, they take up the cry we shall force these wretched Ministers to accept the position and try the chances and we shall soon be rid of them then.