Te Teko July 2nd. 1870. My dear Colonel, I have sent you my paysheets, Estimates, Monthly muster roll, etc. Weekly State I hope they will be all right if not I will make them out again when I get up to Tauranga. Rangiaho left here for Ruatahuna on the 26th. Hapurona left for the same place via Ahikereru on the 28 he Hapurona particularly desired me not to go out on an expedition until he had ascertained the feeling of the Uriwera as it might have a bad effect he will hold a meeting of the whole tribe and send Manuera to me with the result of the meeting on Wednesday the 6th. whether the answer be favourable or not, I will not move until then I will send to you directly Manuera comes out so let you know the date I start. The weather has been fearful. Mount Edgecome has been rumbling more than ever it has been known to do before natives think something great is going to occur and are frightened of it. I will write to Mare telling him when to meet me at Fort Galatea. I have sent you every outstanding contingent account some of them have been delayed on account of the claimants being away and I was unable to get their signatures In future I will see that any account is forwarded at once. Since writing the above I remembered that there is still one account not forwarded. It is for 138lbs. sugar I will send it when I get the signature it is due to Samuels and Jacobsen. I shall be very glad to hear when I can get up to Tauranga to settle with you my natives want money for clothing very much I have been compelled to become personally responsable for £130 for clothing for them to go out on this expedition as they were in rags I hope they may get the clothing you sent for soon. I was very sorry to hear of your orderly room being burst down it must put you out a great deal losing all your papers. There is a report here I cannot vouch for the truth that Rakaraka is coming in to Whakatane and that Te Kooti is at Maungapowhata. Believe me to remain, Yours truly, George Preece. Please forward letter to Mr. Ormond there is money in it. G.P.