Thames December 28th 1870 My dear Sir I have this day transmitted through the office of the Genl.Govt.Agent an important letter just received from Te Wihiriwhi te Hautonga, and would especially fefer to two passages in that letter - 1. That besides the panui there was a message inviting all the unwise ones to go to Tokanga mutu -which however Te Hira refused to sanction. 2. That in the event of an outbreak the Hauhau party at Ohinemuri might take a different view to that which they hold now - which is to remain quiet where they are - and not for the two canoes Waikato and Hauraki to paddle in the same course - The fear of losing their land however in the event of their joining Waikato, should a rupture ensue will tend to keep the Ohinemuri Hauhaus quiet - Te Hira spoke fairly enough to me last week and is much more friendly and less reserved than he was when I first made his acquaintance a year ago. Moananui I am sorry to say will not return to Matariki he had permanently located himself at Ohinemuri He will not fail to do all in his power to retard the opening of that part of the country. There was a rumour here a day or two ago that a white man had been killed ator near Whangamata, this however requires confirmation/ If such has been the case I think it will be found to have been the consequence of a drunken brawl and will have no political bearing - but as so many days have passed since the news first came, and it not having yet been confirmed I am disposed to think it a groundless rumour. With reference to the boat which I an to have 60 do my travelling and in respect of which Mr. Clarke wrote to the Native office a good while since it is a pity that fear of incurring expernce should prevent me from travelling about a little more, especially as the salaries of boatmen have been voted - I have arranged with Haora Tipa to proceed up the Piako in reference to the outstanding land purchases immediately on his return from the Bay of Islands, he leaves for that place at once - I am anxious to have Tarapipipi and Pireaha also Te Hira appointed assessor under Sale of Spirit Act, they have promised to let me know soon - Your obedient Servant E.W. Puckey