. Tauranga September 2nd. 1869 8 p.m. My dear Mr. McLean, The steamer ''Tauranga'' will leave here early to-morrow for Auckland; and with the hope that she will be in time to catch a South Island bound steamer, I take the opportunity of writing a few lines by her. I got a note this morning from St. George at Taupo. He tells me that no certain information has been received of Te Kooti, or his movements, of late. I think we shall find that the statement made by Maihi Pohepohe will be found to be correct. How very sorry I am that your policy is a defensive one. I tremble at the consequences of allowing Te Kooti to get back into the Urewera Country. Should he succeed in doing so, I forsee nothing but most disastrous mischief to us. Whatever may be the prevailing opinion as to the results