Tauranga 16th. August 1870. My dear Sir, I fear that my explanation about bringing Capt. Mair's men to Tauranga, will scarcely be satisfactory to you. I was really under the impression that Te Kooti was quietly locating himself on the upper waters of the Waioeka, but I now think that he means further mischief; and the the discontented portion of the Urewera will assist him again, as their letter to Major Mair demanding that Col. St. John should be handed over to them, is very insolent. Lieut. Way, at Maketu, shewed me a copy of a Telegram he had sent to you via Taupo, respecting the rations for the men employed packing between Maketu and Kaitereria. When Col. Gorton was here, it was arranged between him and myself, that after the 31st. July it would be necessary to issue rations to these men, presuming that the money due to them would arrive before that date, the Estimates having been forwarded by me in May last. However, as the money has not yet arrived, I have authorised the issue of rations (on payment) until the men are paid. I have invited tenders for the 25th. inst., for supplying rations to the force at Te Teko and Kaitereria, and expect to have the rations delivered at those places without trouble, and at a very much lower rate than the present cost to the Government. The transport at present costs nearly as much as the rations. Captain Preece has a first class Redoubt at Te Teko, and a good lot of men..Some of them I thought rather young, but Captain Preece said he found them the best. Captain Mair has informed you about the natives destroying the Telegraph poles near Paeroa. Mr. Blake, accompanied by Mr. Warbrick, have gone up to see about it. I received to-day a private letter from Major Clare, who has lately been in Waikato, and met Mr. Hill, of Alexandra. I give you an extract from Major Clare's letter:- ''The King seems to be striving to concentrate his people, and forming, as it were, a belt of them in the country around Tokongamutu. He has sent messengers, calling upon all parties to assemble there. There is a very considerable number now settled at Aratitaha, and the Waihou people have all removed to Wharepapa.'' The mails to this place are now very uncertain. A schooner arrived this morning with a mail, - the first for 14 days. I have been compelled to send a couple of despatches overland to Mr. Clarke. At present things are very quiet in the District, and I hope they will remain so. I remain, my dear Sir, Yours very truly (Signed) W. Moule. To:- The Hon. D. McLean Native and Defence Minister Wellington.