Tauranga Feby. 15th. 1870. My dear Mr. McLean, Since the "Jane" left this morning I have found out that there are not sufficient supplies in Tauranga to complete Lt. Colonel McDonnells Requisition. There is only half a tone of biscuit to be had in Tauranga - and had we even such a quantity we have not the means of conveying it to Matata. I have therefore thought it the wisest plan to send Mr. Way off to Auckland at once in order that there may be as little delay as possible. I would also suggest that some cutter be engaged in Auckland drawing not more than 5 ft. of water to take the supplies direct to Matata. McDonnell can get supplies from store keepers at Matata for his present uses but of course it will cost the Government more. I wish McDonnell had thought of all this before -there is no reason why these supplies should not have been ordered when you were here. You will get the latest intelligence by the "Jane" Major Cumming with the remainder of the forces has just arrived from Patetere - they proceed tomorrow. I am sadly afraid that McDonnell and they will not get on well with the natives. Their style of speech is not very conciliatory, but on the other hand very provocative. Fox and his people speak highly of Fraser but for fault. The Rotorua natives have a strong party still posted at Horohoro and Ohinemutu. Several more dead have been found the result of the battle of the 7th. Some of the Arawa have picked up badly wounded men - but have always put them out of the way. They swear that they will spare no one. In great haste Yours faithfully, Hy. T. Clarke.