with him in his mountain recesses where it is not likely that Puahia's expedition will turn out successful in his apprehension. There has been a rumour that Rangi expressed a wish to possess himself of the Waitotara Pa, this side of Wanganui, which if he could effect would not display bad generalship, as by doing so he would strengthen his claims for support from the interior tribes who have a deadly animosity to the natives of that village since the chief ''Touteha'' of Taupo and his followers were destroyed there. Whether or not this report may have any foundation will in all probability be better known to you from being so much amongst the natives and at the active scene of operations and as it would be bordering on our territories should esteem it as a favour your giving me any information respecting his policy and intentions, as well as other subjects connected with the natives that