H.T. Clarke Tauranga 15 Jany. 1870. Tauranga January 15th. 1870. My dear Mr. McLean, The mail by the "Jane" will close in an hour. I write hurriedly to give you the latest news. Yesterday Hamuera Te Paki a loyal and trusty native living in one of the Hauhau settlements in the ranges-came to bring intelligence confirmatory in every particular of what we have already heard respecting te Kootis movements-and supposed intentions. Herewini a Hauhau of some standing connected with Hori Tuapea and living as Kaimai was visited by one of Te Kootis messengers (Tireni) he said that Te Kooti was close behind him and that he was coming to Tauranga - Herewini not satisfied with the correctness of this information returned with Tiremi to Patetere. When they arrived at Kuranui the first settlement on the Patetere side (about 25 or 30 miles from this) Te Kooti had reached the place, and was collecting all the information about the Tauranga roads - he selected the one by Pyes Pa as it presented the fewest difficulties - the great objection to the other being the tidal rivers. He has given out so Hori Tupaea tells me that he is certain of Tauranga - as in all the visions from his God from the fall of Whakatane Tauranga has been cursed and given into his hands. Hamuera states the same. Hamuera says that he was afraid that delay on the part of Te Kootis approach might put Ngaiterangi off their guard so he thought it necessary to come down himself. Hamuera was not here an hour before he returned. He has promised to send in or come himself as soon as he hears or sees anything decisive. There are Tauranga Natives with Te Kooti now - some of Kereopas and Hakaraias adherents. Hori Tupaea has set the matter at rest to my mind as to Te Hiras share in the present appearance of Te Kooti on our border. He has invited him there several times Hori Tupaea obtained the information given Te Hira himself. The natives here are throroughly frightened and in exposed positions are building pas. For our own sakes as a guarantee of good faith I have desired them to put up their pas within our reach - of course I have not told them this. Another messenger to me from Whakamarama just arrived. Rawiri one of the most determined Hauhaus in the part sent him. I am sorry the information was not in writing as the messenger is not quite to be trusted. (I have written to thank him for the intelligence and asked him to make his communications in writing.) This man (Te Hori) states that he came from Okania yesterday (Okania is about four miles from Kuranui see Hamueras statement). That Kooti was at Okania the day before yesterday. He gave out that he was on his way to Te Hira to bring him away with the Ngatipora from Mataora - but that during the night he changed his mind and went on a roving commission - returning again to Okania. He had in his party a man of Ngatihaua Renata by name - detained as prisoner - that during the night he made his escape. This man told informant that he was going to give warning to Mr. Firths people of the proximity of Kooti. Te Kooti was said to have returned to Kuranui - he had 50 horse with him no foot - the foot part of his forces were resting at Kuranui - very tired from their hasty retirement from Taumarunui. Kooti is said to have all told 300 foot men and 100 horse these numbers I have no doubt are exaggerated. I went out at 3 oclock this morning with Mr. Gilbert Mair to Pyes pa to scout. I believe all Hakaraias and Kereopas people have cleared out of the Distrist. The natives are in the best of tempers. I am glad I came. The Arawas are behaving well - I have had of them Wiremu Maihi - Te Pokiha - Te Kati - Rototuko Haupap - Rewi Tereanuka and Reti Reti consulting as to the best course to be adopted - they have quite fallen in with all our plans. Should it be absolutely necessary I will remain here - but await your orders - I should like to get back to the office but I think this is of greatest importance at present. The Mail is closing - but vessell does not leave till tomorrow - 7 o'clock A.M. Will write again and give my letter to Capn. if anything fresh occurs. In great haste, Yours faithfully, Hy. T. Clarke.