Napier 25th. March 1869. Dear Sir, With reference to the desire of the Chiefs Paora te Apatu and Tamihana that they should send an expedition against the Enemy I am not aware what the wishes of the Government may be on the subject having ceased to perform the duties of General Government Agent on the East Coast, but taking into consideration the advancement of the season, and the general unsettled state of the country, I give my consent to their proposal, as I conceive that such a step must tend to ulterior good. The news from Taupo is that the Enemy had an engagement with the Arawa at place called Tawaroa near Runanga but no paticulars have yet come to hand. The aspect of affairs in the interior is anything but satisfactory, I remain Dear Sir Yours truly, Donald McLean.