. Turanga December 10th. 1868. My dear McLean, I have received your letter of the 8th. inst. I feel the weight of your observation that the present is the best moment for a blow. For many reasons it is so. Kooti's people are, no doubt, dispirited, and want the means of war, and the weather is splendid. Nevertheless I am convinced that we must not divide our fighting army, and that the West Coast must be dealt with first. The trouble there disorganises a larger population and menaces a much larger amount of property than here. Kooti is not likely to stir after his reception here for at least some weeks; whilst Titoko is comparatively unchecked close to Whanganui and within easy march of Taranaki. Secondly,