Oruanui, Taupo. October 30th. 1863, My dear Sir, A number of the Taupo Natives have returned from Waikato for the purpose of putting in their Crops etc. Should the Waikato's suffer a reverse in the interval, there is not much probability of their returning. They bring no news, they left their friends in a doubtful state of ''noho noa ito'' at Mere Mere waiting for an attack. From letters which I have received from Mere Mere it is to be plainly perceived that this war and Mate Kai have produced a hope that the Governor will soon make peace. They seem to have an idea that they have only to say the word and peace will be made. The Natives hold strong positions at Mere Mere, Papareita and Pukekawa, their force as far as I can make it out is about 2600 men (by computation). They have received strong re-inforcements from Taranaki, led by Ti Kao Kao whom they think of making their General in Chief. These Taranakis have brought cannon Balls (dug out of the ground) for the 6 pounders which are in position at Mere Mere and destined in Maori ideas to sink the steamer. Intelligence has also reached me that if an attack is made upon Mere Mere and the Pakehas are only partially successful, that is to say, if the Europeans on a trial of strength are unable to force their way up Waikato, a Detachment of 300 men of the Ngatimaniapoto Tribe is to proceed to Ahuriri to destroy that place. These people are to start for the ostensible purpose of turning me away, but really at the invitation of Te Hapuku. I do not send this Intelligence in an official manner, because it is only a Report brought to me by a Native, who is however a man of good standing and position in Native Estimation and I think it my duty to inform you, although it may be only a flying rumour. My natives firmly believe that is is true and have induced me to give up a journey which I had intended making to Tarawera and Mohaka, on account of meeting Opes on the Road. You could oblige me much by sending me a plan of the Western Boundary of the Hawkes Bay Province. I am not quite sure of my Eastern boundary which follows the line of the Province. If convenient this might be sent to the Wairoa Tarawera Lake by the mail. I have the honor to be, My dear Sir, yours sincerely, George Law.