Tauranga 22nd Novr. 1870 My dear Sir, I am just back from Opotiki and give you the scrap of information picked up by the way. Mr. Gascoigne informed me that Aporo and party visited Ohinemutu and were very determined about going on to see Te Kooti, but the Arawa insisted on their returning To Tapapa, and five men were told off to see them part of the way back. Both preece and Gascoigne are on the look out and will prevent Aporo from going into the Uriwera country. Retreat Tapsell also told me that the Arawa had turned Aporo and party back. Mr. Swindley at Opotiki (who gets his information from a native woman) informed me that Hohia of the Ngatipukeko tribe has received a letter from Te Hura requesting Ngatipukeko to come on dry land and make peace while there in time, as there will soon be trouble. Mr. Warbrick tells me that he saw many fresh faces at Ohinemutu, and that they had anything but a loyal look about them. Matene of Ngatipukeko told Hohia that Petera when at Tokongamutu told the King that he was a Kings man and would assist him when required to do so. The foregoing scraps I give you as received. The Whakatoea and Ngatai people are complaining loudly about not being paid for the Expedition under Col. St. John in April and May last. Everything works smoothly and quietly in the District. I remain my dear Sir, Yours very truly, W. Moule The Hon. D. McLean, Native & Defence Minister, WELLINGTON.