Taupo January 17, 1869. Sir, I have the honor to send you the following report - All is quiet here, and I have nothing of importance to report on; but as you may hear to the contrary about the peace of the district I think it better to write. You will of course have seen Hohepa Tamamutu as he has gone to Napier - he will tell you that he was fired upon by a party of hauhau at Pukawa - I believe the truth of the story is this - Hohepa went with a party to set up Survey Stations, and a few hauhau (about 10) told him not to set up the Stations, and fired two shots over the canoe. I was at Pumanga the other day andeverything was quiet there. I have heard that a trooper brought up a letter for me, from you, but left it at Runanga, as he was afraid to come here - he need not have been apprehensive, as he would not have met a native on the road. I have not received any letter from you, so I do not know whether the despatches I have sent you from time, to time, have reached, or not. There is a temporary mail-service now, between this and Tauranga, carried by native policemen. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, Jno. A. St. George. His Honor Donald McLean, Esq. Govt. Agent, Hawkes Bay.