Tauranga May 7 1870 My Dear Sir I came here yesterday for the purpose of getting supplies of food and clothing sent up to Matata Major Mair recommended me to wait till today for the purpose of seeing Mr. Clarke - I have just received the enclosed letters and start for Te Teko at daylight tomorrow I shall start for Fort Galatea about the 11th if I have food up by that time I think that with a little management Mair and I will be able to get a good many men of rank of the Uriwera in - Mair will meet me at Ft. Galatea with his men - My men are very badly off for clothing and the country up there is very cold - I will report officially when I have seen the natives and gained more information I shall lose no time in getting back but I am very sorry I did not see Mr.Clarke. Yours truly George Preece. The letters I have given into the Civid Commissioners office they will be translated and sent to you. G. P.