you Witt'y report, so that you will see what was done. Hamlin's party, some 200 strong, are still out; and I have no doubt, were the people seen at Te Kiwi, by Witty. The latter has gone up to Join Hamlin, with 50 more natives, and some food; and as Hamlin will have received my instructions some days ago, to delay until Ropata gets round the lake, I will hopeful he will do so. Even if he goes up to Onepoto, it will do no harm, and may keep Te Waru engaged whilst Ropata gets round the lake. Locke, I expect to hear from very soon. He will advise me as soon as he gets to Wairoa, as to Ropata's movements; and he will also let Hamlin know at once, so that he may act in concert. I hope they will succeed in crushing that band of Te Waru's; as if that is done, there is no doubt in my mind that the rest will give in. We may then hope for peace and quiet for a time on the East Coast. From the woman prisoner taken by the Mohakas, they could get no information about Te Kooti. All she would say was that Te Waru was at Waikare with about fifty men. I believe Kooti is at Waikaremoana, and that he will bolt to Rua Tahuna, when any signs of attack come near him. As you know, I have planned to send an attacking party to Rua Tahuna, and everything is being prepared for a start in early next week. I am not quite sure how Mair's natives will like it, but they seem to have been behaving very