Ohinemuri March 8th. 1870. Sir, I have the honor to inform you that Te Hira has left Ohinemuri for Mataura, there to take up his abode for the present. He was met on the road, by Paratene, Te Kooti's chief man, and ten Ngatiporous, who accompanied him to Mataura. I have no doubt in my mind that he has gone to have an interview with Te Kooti; more especially as I am informed, from reliable sources, that the three Hau Haus, - Hohepa, Tareranui and Te Herehi, - are on their way to Tokongamutu, for the purpose of asking Tawhiao to assist Te Hira. Should he refuse, Te Hira will declare himself independent of the King Party, and act on his own account, - i.e. I presume join Te Kooti. I have also the honor to inform you that a party consisting of three, - two men and one woman, have just arrived. They belong to the Ngatikuhungunu tribe, and Te Kooti's force. I have the honor to be Sir Your obedient servant (Signed) Robert Bush. To:- The Honble Donald McLean Defence Minister Auckland.