Te Teke Decr. 31 1870. Dear Sir, I have kept moving my men about this last month. I have now left 30 at Galatea and the rest road-making. I am making a road 14 feet wide across the two miles of swamp between here and Parawai and when it is finished intend to carry it on to Matata. I have also improved the road to Kaiterirea. The Uriwera seem to have given up coming out and as t they do not bring guns out it matters little whether they are here or there. Te Waru is the only man that seems humbled by his experience. I do not like the way the Uriwera came out they seem very independent in their manner. I would suggest if the Govt. intends carrying out active opperations against Te Kooti that it be done soon as the rivers are very low now and there is little hope of any more Uriwera coming out and if we keep their chiefs in our hands I doubt if they would actively resist us although of course they would give Te Kooti all information in their power. I do not think Te Kooti is at Waikau but think he is on the Papuni River as a man who I can depend on (a friendly) has just returned from near Maungapowhatu and he says he had heard nothing of him up to 21 of Decr. I have seen a letter in Te Kooti's own hand writing to Wepiha of Whakatane no place mentioned but it is dated 29th. Novr. There is nothing of importance in it he asks about a woman who was taken prisoner at Waioika and wishes her to be sent to Maungapowhatu. From what I can learn the murder of Todd was by the consent of Waikato as a tribe and that there is an uneasy feeling among the King party. I allow none of the Uriwera who surrendered here to go about without a pass signed by myself. I have just received a letter from my sister telling me that my father is dangerously ill and asking me to try and come and see him so I hope you will not think it wrong of me to ask again for a short leave a fortnight I would go up in one steamer and return by the mext - Gundey could relieve me while I would be away. I would not ask this favour but he is so anxious to see me and at his time of life it is uncertain how long he may be spared. I would recommend a little road work being given to the Uirewera who have surrendered say a road from Patea to Matata inside the sand hills and stop their rations while on such work. I have got my force in good working order and if opportunity occur I think you will find they will fight better than under the old system of Maori chiefs - every order is obeyed like European troops and I have them drilled every day when they are not on fatigue or expedition. I have men of all tribes to prevent the chance of mutiny. I am going to Galatea and up as far as Hururu (?) on the 6th. Believe me to remain Yours truly, George Preece