. Auckland. September 22nd. 1871. My dear Mr. McLean, I have just returned from Ohinemuri, when, in accordance with your Telegram, I proceeded to find out the move ents of Tahoa and his party. I have already reported officially, through Dr. Pollen, who will forward by this mail. In addition, I may state privately, that connected with the statements he has made, which took place soon after his withdrawal from Te Kooti, he considers himself under no engagement to remain quietly at his Post at Te Aroha, where he was at time we went up with Ngatiwaru on the Aroha case. He is a determined, but I think well-disposed man; superior in every respect to his colleague Paora Toki, of whom the natives in the district think but very little indeed. His own immediate followers are leaving him, one by one; so that he will have only a small party to accompany him to his new location. Tahau expressed regret at the part he had taken; but, in extenuation, he said that they were driven into a corner. He also spoke of the comparatively quiet way in which they left the Chathams, with a view only to return to their native land; adding that to endeavour to escape was fair game for anybody under similar circum- stances. We gave them a couple of spades which they asked for. While at Ohinemuri, I visited Te Moananui and Te Hira's people, at their several villages, with Puckey and big Tarapipi, from Piako, who had promised Dr. Pollen to do what he could in reference to carrying the mail. He did the best he could, considering he was but recently a prominent Hau Hau leader. He has given them a month to think it over. The natives there are all engaged in ploughing and planting; and were all exceedingly civil to us; but the question is still in the hands of the kuiti people; so that we may look for some change for the better if the Tokangamutu Meeting should end in anything of a decidedly friendly nature. We talked freely to them; and they propose, in the meantime, to give up the missing bag. The Coast line is surrounded with the same objsctions, and considerably longer. The weather has only just now become settled; and the change has brought with it a severe catarrh, from which the Natives as well as the Europeans, are suffering. Hoping this may find you well, I remain faithfully yours, (Signed) H. T. Kemp.