Tauranga February 8th. 1870. My dear Mr. McLean, I hear that the ''Edith'' is about to start for Auckland, and I am anxious that you should have the latest news. I exceedingly regret that I am not able to report favourably. It appears to me to be nothing but bungle, bungle, throughout. I feel quite disheartened. When one sees that all one's exertions are rendered abortive, by inexplicable delays and mismanagement, I almost feel inclined to give up in despair. Last evening I got a note from Lieut. Gilbert Mair, from Rotorua, (a copy of which is enclosed) I immediately sent off Ordorlies to Col. Fraser, and suggested that he should retrace his steps, and return to Rotorua; feeling sure, that hampered -- as Te Kooti is with his women and children -- there was every chance of yet coming up with him. You can well judge of my surprise, to receive a note this morning from Col. Fraser, to say that he was bringing his whole force this way, and intended taking them in the ''Sturt'' to Matata, and thence to Kaihnaroa; with a hope of cutting off Te Kooti's advance into the Urewera country. I sent back immediately, the Orderly to say that there was too much sea on for the ''Sturt'' to land men, when on the Coast. I was too late; Fraser and all his force were in. If one quarter the activity had been displayed by this column, as has been evinced by Lieut. Gilbert Mair's party, a different tale would have been told. I must leave Col. Fraser to explain the cause of the delay; I cannot. Major Mair has gone to Rotorua. I am glad he is gone, for he has an older head than his brother, and will not run any great risk. I have seen Topia and Kemp. I am exceedingly pleased with Topia. I greatly admire his sentiments, and have encouraged him all I can. The Whanganuis are in good spirits, and are keen. I have told Kemp that we would have been much better pleased if their party had let us know their plans; in which case we would have acted in concert. I will go to Auckland by next opportunity, if I can get away. I do not see what great good I am doing here now. I shall return to Tauranga after a while. I have had a bit of a row with Col. Fraser's Arawas, on account of their inexplicable behaviour. The ''Rosari(?) is here again, but Capt. Montgomerie will stay a short time longer. He has behaved most nobly, and has taken a great interest in all our proceedings. Yours faithfully (Signed) W.S. Clarke.