. Tapuaehararu Taupo April 8th. 1869 My dear Sir, I received your note (telling me that you had ceased to be Govt. Agent) on the 30th, March. On the same day, previous to receiving the note, I sent off a private letter to you, by one of the Troopers, and as I had told you all the news in that, I have not answered yours before. Mr. Hamilton being here - sent up to gain information of Te Kooti's movements - I have the opportunity, of his returning to Napier, to send this. As far as our information goes, Te Kooti is still living at Ahikereu. About ten days ago he sent a messenger to the King natives, asking for countenance and support. The answer to this is received that the King will not give him any, so we do not think it likely that Te Kooti will attempt to pass into Waikato, via the North end of the Lake. The Hauhaus at Tauranga (Waiho Taupo) are now preparing food, which looks like Kooti going there. He has always said that this place should be his final home. I myself think it likely that Kooti will have another slap at the coast. Kokohinau, Whakatane, or some of those places, before he comes inland to live. There is a report here (brought by the widow of Wirihana Te Koekoe, late Chief of Tauranga) that Kooti intends returning to Te Wairoa. I, however, do not think this at all likely. I think that it is only a blind. The natives here think the same. Please excuse the shortness of this letter, as I have not time to write any more. Believe me, my dear Sir, very truly yours (Signed) J. St. George. To:- His Honour Donald McLean Esq. Napier P.S. I wrote you a letter on 17th. March, which I have since heard was lost on the way to Napier. The news in that letter you have doubtless since heard. It was simply about Te Kooti having occupied Tauaroa. There was no engagement there, although the Arawa came up with the enemy. A volley or two were fired, and one of Te Kooti's men supposed to be wounded. The reason that Major Mair did not follow, I explained in a former letter to you.