Napier, January 17th, /70 Dear McLean, I have just received further information from Tapuaehararu of Te Kooti -- I enclose you Locke's Telegram with its enclosure -- It seems pretty certain Kooti is at Patetere and that at any rate Hakaraia's section of Ngatiraukawa have joined him. McDonnell is expected today at Tapuaehararu and will effect a junction with Topia and Kemp and will advance on Patetere -- I have urged him to select a line of advance that will if possible cut off Kooti should he make for the Urewera country -- McDonnells force will not be less than 700 to 800 men -- They will get supplies at Tapuaehararu to take them to Patetere and will then have to trust to what they can get in the country they advance in -- and upon what you can do to send food to meet them -- The Bishop of Waiapu was with me just now he says the Sturt can go up the river to Matamata valley of the Thames and that thence to Patetere is easy country and no distance -- Such arrangements as you can make should be made -- for instance a few cattle might be got somewhere near, so as to push on to the force if necessary -- Another thing which seems to me very important is to stop the road against Kooti's return to Waikato and the King -- Please advise me by any opportunities through Nelson or Wanganui of what steps you are taking in order that I may cooperate as much as possible from here -- We ought to use every endeavour to make this a finish and not to stick at anything wanted to ensure it -- Always yours J. D. Ormond. The force may need ammunition if they have any fighting at Patetere and if there be any Pa work -- Coburns should be as handy as they can be in case they are wanted.