. Colonial Defence Office December 14th. 1868 Sir, His Honor, the Superintendent of Hawke's Bay, having brought under the notice of the Defence Minister, the conspicious zeal in the Public Service, by you on all occasions, and especially in affording assistance in the late Expedition to Major Westrupp, - I am instructed to convey to you the thanks of the Government, and their satisfaction at receiving such favourable reports of the conduct of the Officers of the Colonial Forces. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant (Signed) C.V.S. Haughton Acting Under-Secretary To:- ---- Tuke. N.B. There is also a copy of a letter to Major Westtrupp, on much the same lines, but the copy is so faint it is only half decipherable.