Te Teko, Sept. 7th, 1870. Dear Sir, I just returned from Matata where I went to see Major Mair about supplying the last lot of Hau Haus with spades and seed potatoes. I do not like the look of the Uriwera they are trying their best to avoid coming in and wish to remain in a state of hostility but at the same time to derive all the advantages of peace without allowing people to go through their country, I should advise that the Govt. insist that they come out without which there cannot be a permanent peace. The Govt. have been very easy with them and given them every chance, I have great confidence in the Ngatiwhare and the Patuheuheu tribes they have left none of their people in the Uriwera country and are planting here. I lately apprehended a man named Hoani I-aiaka for sending a letter to the Uriwera telling them not to surrender all the Uriwera men here say that he is playing false and advised his arrest as he was likely to do great harm, I hear Mr.Clarke has released him. There are no natives at Ahinereru - I start out for Galatea and the He ruiwi line on the 9th will get supplies from Major Roberts at Heruiwi. One thing I do not like to see that is the men who came in bring very fine guns. I would strongly urge the advisability of making a road through from Ahikereru to Waikare Moana if the Uriwera surrender and employing some of them on the line - it would render any future rebellion futile - I am making my men put in two acres of potatoes I put a fatigue party of twelve men to work every day these will be handy for any expenition going in to the Uriwera- I paid my men today for July I find one can do anything with these natives by regular payment and no chiefs to interfere I am always very firm with them and they like me all the better for it in the end - I recd. a letter from Capt.Mair telling me that te Haunui had gone back to Ruatahuna. I hope Rapata will do something good if Te Kooti comes in my way I hope to be able to give you an account of him - I shall keep a good look out but it is possible he might give one the slip for all that as you cannot be in several places at one time and there are many roads for him to escape - I think it would be advisable for Major Roberts to make expeditions to Heruiwi while Mair and I are down this and Galatea way - Colonel Moule keeps me well supplied with provisions. Some Ngatimura have surrendered at Whakatane. I hope we might have a chance of hunting up te Kooti soon I should much like to have another slap at him. The prisoners are planting on both sides of the river here by my redoubt this shews well for these who have come in. I will write again shortly - Believe me to remain Yours truly, George Preece.