Thames Jan. 16th 1871 My dear Sir I have this moment received your letter of the 10th with regard to the Panui Taua distinctly told me it had reference to the murder of Todd. Te Hotereni (the bearer of it) by Mr Bush's report arrived at Ohinemuri on the 24th of Novr. the murder took place on the 23rd Novr. - The only portion of my district which is traverseable on horseback is between this and Ohinemuri and that only at certain seasons of the year - and there is a great deal of travelling which ought to be done to other parts of the District to which it is not possible to go on horseback such as the Piako. When I have the boat you may depend upon it the boatmen will be kept well employed - they will also act as police when not used otherwise:- The results of my visiting the Ohinemuri natives have been in a very great measure to remove that barrier which has so long subsisted between them and us - I hope in the same manner to win the Piako natives over. The more fully to explain my meaning I may say that when I first took charge of the Thames Te Hira would not see anyone connected with the Govt. under any pretence whatever - on the occasion of my third visit he attended a meeting at which I was invited to be present, I have seen him on every one of my subsequent visits - and in October last when Mr Clarke and I went up to Ohinemuri he came of his own accord to see - There is a report here of the Tauranga mail having been stopped by Tareranui who it seems has just returned from Te Kuiti - I am unwilling however to believe it until I hear more about it. A Brigantine went up the Waihou yesterday to load with timber for Adelaide and carried away the Telegraph wires - As soon as I hear the precise day for the Wairakau meeting I will start. Your most obdt. Servt. E. W. Puckey I would like Mr Bush to go with me if he can be spared, as he knows that part of the District and the people well.