Whakatau. February 2nd. 1870. My dear Mr. McLean, The removal of 55 natives from here, all young men, has sadly hampered us. I am obliged to finish the little left to be done with women and children; as, in consequence of the fires seen nightly, the natives don't like to leave the settlement without a few men in it. Indeed, as Hori Kauwakura and the Patuwaes live on the other side of the river, we could not hold the pa for an hour. I have to send in an additional estimate for a bridge and culvert at a swamp where I thought I could do without, by merely draining. It is, however, necessary; and now I shall have difficulty in making it; as my friends do not care about going in a small party a little way up for timber. I had a private hint the other day that a payable reef had been found down the Coast; and on Sunday I rode to ascertain. I found that no Europeans were allowed up; but on talking to an old friend, Tiwai, I found I should be permitted. He described the reef as on their own lands, but extending into the Confiscated territory. With regard to the former, they have made up their minds, in case any payable rocks exist, to retain the management in their own hands. As Tiwai has not gone to Tauranga, I shall, in a few days, be able to visit the spot, and report to you whether anything exists worth looking after. I like the look of the stone. Believe me, Yours truly, (Signed) J,H,H, St. John.