and I fear there is little doubt of it - Porter tells me the prisoners say the Wairoa's have lately supplied Kooti with what he wanted and received bank notes in return - in one letter found among Kooti's things there is a list of articles sent Kooti by Hapimana which includes some "hingaras" I will enquire into this at Poverty Bay. It is no wonder the wretch escapes us if he is assisted in this way. Today old Tareha was with me and when I told Tareha was not taken - He said of course not, we the Maories all know he never will be, his God will take care of that - I was very much struck with the earnest way old Tareha said this - I got him to write to the Urewera confirming them in what they are doing and I also wrote them and send you officially a copy of my letter - Whether they may do as I propose and hand Kooti over, is very doubtful, I think they are too much afraid of him - I knew I was quite safe in promising what I have done in case they did. Since I wrote last Locke has met the Natives