To:- D. McLean Wellington. Sept. 16th. 1868 The --- (?) raids have interrupted our inland communication and no tidings have up to this time reached us from Wairoa. The Orderly from Wairoa is down and reports two natives came down with him, who had been over to Puketapu and confirm the news that ex-prisoners are fortifying themselves. Reports only 5 killed at Ruakiuri. People here generally are looking forward to gloomy Summer, who know nothing of Native character, and the Bishop amongst them, A private letter from a military settler at Wairoa states the prisoners are being reinforced daily. Tuke cannot raise men here. Only 5 enrolled, and there is no chance of his getting good men; are off to the diggings. (Signed) J. Rhodes.