Auckland July 29th. 1869. My dear McLean, The ''Ahuriri'' leaves the Manukau today; and the ''Wellington'' will leave Auckland to-morrow. I think the chances are in favour of the mail from this side arriving first; and I will therefore send the Official Reports by the ''Wellington,'' - Lest, however, I should have made a miscalculation, I write by the ''Ahuriri'', and give you a summary of the news, in order that there may be no failure of intelligence. I am glad to be able to tell you that, for the present at least, our danger has passed away. Te Kooti, I am informed, by the last telegram from Searancke at Alexandra, is now on his way to Taupo, by way of Tuhua. Te Heu Heu is with him; and it is said, Rewi, but I doubt this; as he has a following of some 300 souls (with women and children.) Practically, it appears that he has been turned out of Waikato. What he will do next remains to be seen. It was said at first that he meant to go to Mokau, and recruit from the Ngatimaniapoto there, in order to try conclusions with the King; but before he left, it is said, that Te Kao Kao, Wetere, and fifty men from Mokau, arrived at Tokangamutu; and that, getting no encouragement from them, he has given up the Mokau project, and gone to Taupo. In that case, you will probably hear of him on the Napier side, before long. There is not hope of peace whilst he is able to move about as he does now. He talked of going to Waihoro, and to Tauranga also; and may try to keep his word. I have been to Tauranga, and find that the Natives generally believe that Te Kooti will come there. The ''Virago'' has been lightened by discharging her coal, and now lies close to the shore of Te Papa, greatly to the comfort and security of the place. Captain Bingham has taken a good deal of trouble, and should be thanked for it. Upon consultation with Clarke and Harrington, and in view of your instructions to abandon the advanced posts, and concentrate at Matata, - we agreed that a Divisions, or about eighty men, should be sent at once to Auckland for Waikato; that 50 men should be left to support Ngatipukeko at Whakatane; and that the remainder be moved to Tauranga. This will satisfy the Arawa; and at Tauranga, the men are available for any place, either Waikato or elsewhere. The presence of a Garrison at so large a native place as Maketu, is not desirable, for many reasons. I have necessarily incurred some expense in the recent operations, but it was necessary; and I hope that you will not be angry with me. The Militia and Volunteers are being sent back. They have behaved very well. There is some growling amongst their employers, but that is of course. I am, yours very truly (Signed) Daniel Pollen.