Tapapa February 1870. My dear Sir, I received your letter by Capt. Scannell, but had no opportunity of writing before, having been on expeditions. We went on the 30th. to the bush at the back of Kuranui. We came across a large ''pumi'', which must have contained about 300 people. The trail then out towards Tauranga. We followed it, till we took a man prisoner. The trail parted here, the larger one turning back in a line with the Range, but on the Tauranga side, we killed a man, Wikinata, of Kenopa's tribe, and five men escaped. The trail then out up into small ones. Of course it was useless to follow them, as one could not tell which way to follow; and having only food for that night, thought it advisable to return. We started out again from here on the 1st, but could only find old tracks, quite a week old, and branching from the ''Puni'' in every direction. The Ngatihau and 39 Europeans, under Mr. Morrison, are out now two days from Kuranui. I expect we shall hear from them to-day. A native, named Te Huare, who was with Kere- -opa, in the attack on this camp, came in the day before yesterday, with Mr. Mair. He tells me that Kereopa led the attack on this place; that Te Kooti was then on his way from Ohineuri, where he had been to get powder. He took 21 men with him, and got 11 kegs of ammunition from Te Hira. He also told me that Firth gave Te Kooti some caps and 70 rounds of ammunition. This man Firth is by far the most dangerous enemy we have. For his own ends he communicates with Te Kooti, gets him to save his property from damage, and then acts as a traitor to his own countrymen, by giving the enemy ammunition. The Friendly Natives wonder why he should be allowed to communicate with Te Kooti, while the Government are at war with him, and there is a reward for him, dead or alive. The natives here are all working together very well. Fraser has not come in yet. The chances in favour of Te Kooti getting away are so great, that it is impossible to say whether we shall be able to get him. I received an intimation from the Colonel that you had sent my name for promotion. I am very thankful to you for the same, and shall always do what is in my power for the good of the public service. Believe me to remain yours truly (Signed) George Preece.