Te Kooti required your presence in Auckland, They were satisfied in my telling them that I would ride to Maketu to see them on Wednesday. I shall, however, go to-day, as no time is to be lost. We have, as you know, a very delicate part to play between the Friendly natives and the Hau Haus. We must not on any account, allow the idea to get possession of the Friendlies, that we have been making use of them to serve our own ends. Nothing fresh from these natives this morning. I expect that news will come in respecting Te Kooti during the day. Gilbert Mair will go with me to Maketu. He will do the running about. I am getting quite an old man, I am afraid. Don't forget, please, to commnicate with McDonnell. I trust all your exertions will be crowned with success. I fully expect that Te Kooti will be through here, so that It will be quite necessary that the ''Sturt'' be back before Fraser moves. In haste. faithfully yours (Signed) H.T. Clarke.