Napier August 31st 1868 Sir, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th inst: informing me that you had despatched a Scouting party of 30 natives accompanied by Captn. Saunders to find out whether the natives lately engaged with Col. Whitmore's force are still in the neighborhood of the scene of the engagement. I am glad to hear from you that you have succeeded in organizing the party in question and trust to hear from you by early opportunity definite intelligence as to the enemy's position and movements. It would also be a great source of gratification to the Govt. if the Scouting party are able to carry out that portion of the object the party are employed for, viz. the recovery and decent interment of those of our forces who fell in the late engagement --- Of course pay to the Scouting party will cease on their return from the expedition. In the event of it being ascertained that the exprisoners are forming a position at Puke Tapu I will bring under the notice of the Govt. at Wellington your advice as to the employment of a Native force and douhtless such steps will be taken by the Govt. as are necessary for the security of the Wairoa district. In reference to the arms and ammunition which you advise me are stored in the Block House situate at the Military settlements up the river and which I find on enquiry are insecurely guarded. You will please take immediate steps for removing the said arms and ammunition to a place of safety at Wairoa. The Military settlers at the settlement in question who have arms in their possession will of course retain them and before removing the whole of the ammunition cause enquiry to be made whether they have sufficient ammunition for their own defence and in case not, supply them with what is necessary The removal of these arms etc. should be effected as quietly as possible. Major Fraser suggests that the sergt. in charge of the settlement would be a good man to do it. I hope to arrange with Major Fraser that orderlies shall in the meantime effect communication twice a week between here and Wairoa, this if found practicable will give ample means of communication and enable you to transmit regular information as to the condition of the Wairoa Districts. I am returning to Wellington by steamer this day, but the information you will from time to time transmit will be sent on to the Government by Telegraph by whoever is administering affairs here, at the time. I was extremely glad to hear from you that the chief Ihaka Whanga was ready to support the Wairoa Settlers should occasion require it, and also that you considered the great body of the Wairoa Natives thoroughly reliable, altho' not possessing that confidence which it would be desirable to hear they had. I should advise you in the meantime to use every exertion to restore confidence in the district both with the European settlers and the Natives and you can assure them that should circumstances unfortunately render it necessary they will be supported. The Wairoa District possesses however within itself large resources for defence and could without difficulty muster a force at least double in point of numbers any force that the enemy could bring against them. I have now only to thank you for the alacrity with which you acted on my former letter and awaiting further intelligence from you, I am Sir, Your obedient servant, J. D. Ormond Acting for the Gen. Govt. Agency. S. Deighton Esq. R.M. etc. etc. etc. Wairoa Paora Hapi Hohepea Tamamutu Poihipi Tukairangi