Auckland July 16th. 1869. My dear McLean, A cattle ship, the ''Keera'' leaves the Manakau for Wanganui to-day, and I take the chance which is offered of keeping you informed as to what is going on here, in anticipation of the Official communication by the mail next week. Enclosed are copies of the Telegrams since the date of my last letter, and copy of Searancke's Report, just received, of a note from Colonel Moule. In order to make sure of the communication by the river, I have made an arrangement with Mr. Gibbons for the use of the steamer ''Rangiriri'', as she now lies at Mercer. Gibbons puts on board an Engineer, Pilot, and Fireman, with a supply of coals, and keeps the vessel ready for use at a moments's notice; and for this service he is to receive £50 for a month, in case the vessel is used. If she is used, the charge is to be £50 per week, whilst employed. I have put ten men and a non-commissioned Officer of the Naval Volunteers on board, as a guard; and I have thus a safe and defensible means of communication in the river, in case of need. There is expense about all this, but it is inevitable. In case of any outbreak, there must be communication by the river, for the safety of life and property. You will see from the papers what the state of affairs is at Tokangamutu. Te Kooti is there with 50 of his own people, and a following of Taupo natives. I still hope that Waikato will be wise enough to restrain Te Kooti, but no reasonable precaution should be neglected. Clarke, from Tauranga, writes despondingly. The Ureweras have come again into the upper Whakatane country, and have stripped Ngatipukeko of the little property, in horses and cattle, that remained to them from Te Kooti's raid. He begins to fear even for the loyalty of the Arawa. They begin to discuss the chances of the future; and to be uncertain as to which, in the struggle to come, is to prove the strongest side, - the Maori or the Pakeha. Ngapuhi, I learn, are being tampered with, also, by emissaries from the King's side, who seek to detach them from their alliance with us; and it is at this moment that we are talking of disbanding the small force we have; and settling the Native Question by resolutions of the House. I am, yours very truly (Signed) Daniel Pollen.