Alexandra 6th Feby. 1870 My dear Colonel, I sent George Hetit up yesterday morning to see what was going on at Maori Head, he returned today with a letter from his Father, who reports that as yet everything is quiet -- In accordance with a Proclamation issued recently by Manuhiri, the natives are assembling at Terewira -- about 6 miles on this side of Tokangamutu -- About 60 natives fully armed passed Hetits house early this morning on their way from Kawhia -- The people of upper Mokau, under Te Kouko -- had also arrived at Te Kuiti; and from 60 to 70 natives have passed Tirner's place lately on their way up -- I have been unable to find out what their object is in calling this meeting. Hetit questioned the Kawhia people this morning as to their intentions -- they said we simply obey the order and know nothing -- There is no doubt that a considerable section of these people sympathize with Te Kooti; but whether that sympathy will take an active form is very questionable -- So far there are no grounds for the belief that they will take the field against us; but should Te Kooti meet with anything in the shape of success I think matters would be different. Hetit himself says he is fairly puzzled at present at the attitude of the natives; some are for Te Kooti, and some against him, and as Manuhiri wrote to Firth the other day, the Canoe is divided -- meaning that that there is no unity among them -- I asked Hetit about that meeting the other day of King natives who declared for Te Kooti at Aratitaha, he says ''In regard to your remarks about the meeting at Aratitaha all I have heard is that some of the natives from the outsettlements about Wharepapa have taken refuge there for fear of Te Kooti'' -- So I think that report is not correct -- I am informed that the decision of this great meeting will probably be known on Thursday next, if it is anything very startling I shall send you a Telegram -- I hope while the natives are assembled I shall be able to send Hetit news that McDonnell has struck a decisive blow at Te Kooti -- that news would decide Manuhiri at once -- I paid the men here yesterday except the Scouts and Orderlies, would you be good enough to send me by bearer 2 Acquittance Sheets for Scouts, as I have none here. Morgan the correspondent for the ''Herald'' has been sending alarming Telegrams to Town -- I think the Government should stop the Telegraph from being the medium of such persons -- I have no further news -- Believe me Yours faithfully John D. Hill P. S. Please remember Acquittance Sheets --