tachment in such a place might get into had hahits. No grog is I believe allowed there. My own impression would be against establishing a post there - we cannot protect every outlying flax mill. On the other hand if we are going to run Cobbs coach through from Patea to Taranaki, such a post would give a feeling of security and it wd. enable us to advance so far into the Enemy's country. I wish te Whiti had been more specific on the road question. Halcombe is here. He explored the Ranana - Muri Mutu line with Booth and a party of 20 natives. Booth will report. From what Halcombe says I think we ought to employ the natives in making a The distance is not over 25 miles and the benefit both in a strategical point of view will be very decided as well as the advantage of keeping the natives employed. Halcombe comes down by the coach on Thursday and will tell you all about it. I have little more news about the Rangi Manawatu block. Wi Hapi is living with Hoa Te Rauhiki at a place called Te Atua or some such name near Te ReuReu which they have pretty well abandoned. I hear that the last Trig station destroyed was done by Wi Hapi's party on his return from his visit to Hawke Bay; but that he personally denies having had