Auckland August 31st. 1869. My dear McLean, All is quiet here. I have discharged the whole of my army in Waikato, except fifty men of the Thames Volunteers. I shall not let them go until I learn the result of the operations against Te Kooti at Taupo; of which Ormond advises me as now going on. It may be that we shall hear of him again in Waikato. A week ago there was a native report that Kooti had attacked a pa of the Friendly Wanganuis, on the West side of Taupo; had killed 100 and lost 30 of his own. I put up a copy of Moule's telegram for the mail to Napier on Saturday; but by some blunder, it was not forwarded. There has been no confirmation of the news. With regard to the native prisoners for trial to-morrow, I cannot interfere now. The only way to stop the proceedings is for the Attorney General to enter a ''nolle proseqin.''(?) The trial will now go on, but if there is a conviction, the sentence can be remitted afterwards; and that perhaps is on the whole the best course. There has been an attempt to intimidate Paul, and the witness Hapimnana, the promoter of which I believe to be our old and respected friend Wm. White of Kaipara. He is, himself, I learn, deep in the trade. I suppose there is some way of punishing the gentleman, if the Attorney General would show how. I find the present difficulty in getting suitable men to act as detectives in this powder-selling business. I know that the natives get it in quantity here, but I cannot get at the plant. A stranger who spoke Maori would have a better chance than a man who was known to natives. Perhaps you have someone at Napier who could manage the work. If so, it would be well to send him here. I hope we shall soon see you here. A progress amongst the natives would do much good just now. They are unsettled and wavering in mind and purpose. The Thames is beginning to The steamers yesterday brought more than 200 passengers, all of them with carpet bags, and credit at their Bankers'. I am, yours very truly (Signed) Daniel Pollen.