Te Teko 22nd. Feby. 1872. My dear Mr. McLean, I received a letter from Capt. Preece yesterday - dated "Waikare moana" 18th. inst. telling me that he had come up with "Te Kooti" and had exchanged shots with him - but night coming on - T.K. got away - I wish that T.K. was taken. I enclose a Rough Sketch of the Kaingaroa Plains - it is a rough one - as I had only Pen and Ink to do it with - but all the tracks are true - as I have been over the country. The Forces from Ohaki-Pukekahu - Kongataheki and Opouri were withdrawn during the month of December - I had charge of the whole of them from September. It was about the 2nd. of Sept. when I was within 5 miles of Ahikiriruru - with a party of 12 men - when I met an orderly bearing despatches to me from Capt. Preece (He thinking that I was at Te Teko at the time) telling me to make for the Pairoa Range - as fast as I could as Te Kooti was at 'Herewini' on the point of breaking accross to Waikato. I got to the Pairoa next day with Men - (The weather was fearful) I was on the move day and night watching for T.K. Afterwards Mr. Hamlin sent me more Men - you will see the different Camps marked + in red ink. The line of road marked in red ink would cost very little to make - only the Torepatutahi and Wai-o-tapu creeks would have to be bridged and a little cutting done at "OtatiKaiwhara" and then you would have a splendid natural road from Taupo to Rotorua or Maketu - the road would cost next to nothing - the other few creeks are only small ones. I believe that Capt. G. Mair and the Rev.Mr. Grace have reported on the line of road before - I have marked it in red ink. I also show in red ink the way that the "Telegraph" goes from Napier to Maketu. I trust that you will be pleased with my little Map - and also that you will be able to understand it. I see by the papers that the Govt. are getting out Emigrants from Home to settle in New Zealand. If ever you should feel incline to give me charge of a party of "Scandinavians" to look after I should like nothing better - (I am now in my 30th. year) and I am longing to settle down and get married. The Natives have commence working on the road from Matata towards this place and as soon as Capt. Preece returns - The Natives will be set to work - on the road from "Whakatane" to this place Trusting that you are quite well - I remain My dear Mr. McLean, Yours ever sincerely Herbert F. Way.