Tauranga, Feby. 7th, 1871 My dear Mr. McLean, I arrived here on Sunday last - Found Mair here who had been attending to Election matters. On Sunday morning news was received here of Ropata's movements, he was at Maraetai, at the head of Waioeka. Porter came on to Opotiki for Kai - No traces of Te Kooti. I send you a letter I received from Mr. Gill giving information derived from Porter. Mair has had a long talk with Kepa Te Ahuru - and Kepa says that Ropata missed the track - Mair hurried off yesterday to meet Ropata and Porter at the Waimana He has got a tracing of the country from different sources and will give all the assistance he can. I have exchanged telegrams with Mr. Brunner - have asked him to let me know what has been done and what he proposed so as to aroid any clashing in the matter of the road between Rotorua and Taupo. I am afraid Mr. Grace has been doing mischief he has been I believe, encouraging the hope of getting daily pay. I hope if you see him you will give him a lecture. I wish he would mind his own business - he is really a great marplot. I have seen some Ngaiterangi chiefs who have seen "the King" and Manuhiri - they gave me a minute description of all that passed - they seem to be at cross purposes. - Matutaere and Rewi came to see the Ngaiterangi but had very little to say. - Rewi repeated what has become now a cant phrase amongst the hauhaus. "the Lord of Hosts hath said there shall be no peace for ever and ever". After Matutaere and Rewi had left Temati Ngapora came in. He laid the blame of the murder upon Rewi and the Ngatimaniapoto but since they would not give up the murderers. He was full of Parables and dark sayings, and finished off by saying that he did not wish the Ngaiterangi to go and visit them. Told them to return to their country and remain quiet if they did not "Ko koe te Mutanga" - he spoke bitterly. From what Te keoka said they are prepared to resist any encroachment but he did not think they would attack. I must close this hurried line. I am better. Yours faithfully, Hy. T. Clarke