Whakatane July 24th. 1870 Mr. Wilson, Sir, The only thing of any note that has happened here since you left is the return of Rakuraku and his party from Ruatahuna. He arrived here yesterday. Tamai Kowha will not come in just yet. The Urewera are to have a great Hui at Tawhana on the 28th. of this month; when they are to decide about coming. If they aree to come, they are to be here on the 1st. of August. In the meantime they have left 10 men at Ruatoki as messengers. Those men are Hau Haus, and they say they will not stop at Ruatoki unless the Government give them rations and send rations to Ruatoki. Webster says they will get the rations when Major Mair comes back from Tauranga. Te Kooti has got 100 men, and is mustering more; so we may expect another dash before long. There is a tiff amongst the Officials here, that is likely to draw back Mr. McLean's Hohou rongo. It seems G. Mair told Rangiaho (Pitcairn murder Law) to bring the Hau Haus in by his way, by Te Toko, so as his name might appear in the papers. Rangiaho to do this for his friend Tawa, told Tamaikouha that if they came to Whakatane, they would all be killed, This has made Tamaikouha doubtful, and caused the delay. The Arawa are holding a long Committee about demanding Kereopa from the Kawana. They say that it is only right that he should be pardoned now that Wi Hura, who put the rope round Mr. Volkner's neck, and the others, have got off. Mair has not tried Simpson's case yet. He has gone to see Clark about it. I suppose he wants to see if they can both stretch a point. It is now 12 days since the information was laid. It was laid on the 12th. Withers is in a great way about G. Mair wanting to do him out of the Hau Haus coming this way. Official ambition! It's such a grand affair to see one's name in the paper. I have no more news at present. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, (Signed) Frederick Jones. This letter is forwarded to you without Mr. Jones permission. I cannot therefore help asking you not to give his name up; for as long as those parties remained in power in that district, he would be a marked man.