Tauranga January 26th. 1870 My dear Mr. McLean, The "Sturt" is in, and we are off. The men will march right away from Maketu at once. There is no news to add to what I sent last night by the "Luna." I send you a copy of a letter I have this day received from Horl Tupsea. You will notice that he is making the doings of Mr. Firth an excuse for going to see To Kooti. I am much afraid that the mischief will not stop here. The Tauranga natives, such as Enoka, Hori Ngatai, etc., are quite ---(?); but those under Hori Tupaea's influence, -- fortunately not a large party, -- are not to be depended on, I am still keeping up a friendly correspondence with the Pirirakau Hau Haus. We get a good deal of information, -- in fact, the only reliable information, through them. They are urgent that we keep a sharp look out. After quietly thinking over the advisability of stationing a trusty party of natives in the Direction of Oripiri, I am quite clear in my mind that it is a correct step to take. I leave this, for the Tauranga, tomorrow. Yours faithfully (Signed) H.T. Clarke. P.S. I shall not be back here till Friday night, or Saturday morning.