Tauranga January 24th. 1870 6½ a.m. My dear Mr. McLean, May arrived here at 4 this morning. Glad to get your instructions. Letters received from McDonnell yesterday, requesting Fraser to march immediately; and a Force of Arawas to go through Piuaka into Patetere. Sent back to him immediately, giving him our instructions from you. His letter was confusing, and as our course is clear now, he may be confused in turn, at our letters. You can correct this by Telegram, via Waikato. it cannot depend upon communication from this side. The letter was five days on the road from Oruanui, jouney. Fraser has given you his present idea. I think: it is the best. I have sent to Captain Montgomerie, for leave to send the ''Sturt'' to Auckland. I think it is the best plan, the quickest way of communicating intelligence; and she can bring the supplies we want. I go to Maketu as soon as the ''Sturt'' is started off. I propose getting 200 Arawas for Fraser's force This will delay me two days, and give the ''Sturt'' time to return. I will see about getting a force to guard the passes to Urewera Country. The Tukorangi and Ngatirangi- -tiki could do that well. I sent Mr, Johu Thorpe a supplementary Requisition for ammunition. There is some difficulty in dealing with present regulations. Send me 8 or 10 barrels Rifle ammunition, and I shall be able to get over red tape. I will do all I can to bring matters to a successful issue. On Saturday night, 22nd, Inst., I heard that Te Kooti was at Ohineroa, Ngatihana, under Tawa, were said to be collected there, A large Meeting was being held, -- Ngatiraukawas, Ngatirangiwewehi, (Kereopa) Ngatiahi, and Ngatinarawaho, (Tauranga) were largely represented. I have sent a spy; has not yet returned. The native messenger who came to fetch Ngatirangi was endeavouring to lead them into a trap. He went away in great disgust, and used very threatening language. The Ngatirangi are delighted at their escape. I went to Maketu on Saturday; landed ammunition, and brought away old Mr. Nesbitt, Went over to the Island Motiti, to settle a dispute between natives, and returned to Tauranga in the evening. Maketu natives very much disappointed at not seeing you. Some of them said plainly that they considered they were being forsaken, and the Hau Eaus being taken into favour. I, however, set all straight, and showed them clearly that you could not help yourself, as these new arrangements about Te Kooti required your presence in Auckland, They were satisfied in my telling them that I would ride to Maketu to see them on Wednesday. I shall, however, go to-day, as no time is to be lost. We have, as you know, a very delicate part to play between the Friendly natives and the Hau Haus. We must not on any account, allow the idea to get possession of the Friendlies, that we have been making use of them to serve our own ends. Nothing fresh from these natives this morning. I expect that news will come in respecting Te Kooti during the day. Gilbert Mair will go with me to Maketu. He will do the running about. I am getting quite an old man, I am afraid. Don't forget, please, to commnicate with McDonnell. I trust all your exertions will be crowned with success. I fully expect that Te Kooti will be through here, so that It will be quite necessary that the ''Sturt'' be back before Fraser moves. In haste. faithfully yours (Signed) H.T. Clarke.