Tauranga 20 Oct. 1870 My dear Sir, There is little or nothing to report from this District except the continued surrender of Uriweras. You will have received Major Mair's interesting reports of his meetings with Te Whenanui and Tamaikhowa Mair certainly manages these things with great tact and judgement. Te Waru is now at Ruatahuna and desirous of treating with the Govt. Te Kooti is said to be in his old quarters, but expected to make a move. Captains Preece and Mair's contingents will be at ort Galatea again on 22nd Inst. Capt. Mair has been very unwell for sometime and I have given him one month's sick leave to Auckland. placing Sub Inspr. Gascoigne in charge of the contingent. I have received the New Militia Act which is a decided improvement on the old Acts, being more explicit and giving Commanding officers more power, which was really needed, as you can have no idea of the many ways in which men try to evade Militia Service. There were only five absentees at the last Quarterly Parade, these (including young Chadwick) werd brought before a J. P. yesterday and were dismissed with a caution and paying costs. Mr. Hamlin has not yet returned from Orakeikorakii I remain, my dear Sir, Yours very truly, W. Moule The Hon. D. McLean, Native & Defence Minister, WELLINGTON.