Tauranga August 8th. 1869 Dear Sir, After arriving here, I went to Fort Alfred, and stayed there till all the Troops were down to Matata. At Matata I saw ''Te Meihana'', who came to Fort Galatea from Ahikereru, and gave himself up. He says that Te Waru was fighting against us at Ruatahuna with 60 men, and Te Kooti with 35. Most of Te Kooti's men were at Waikare, looking out on that side. The day after we left, 60 of Te Kooti's men came through to Ahikereru; that Te Kooti's intention was to go to Taupo and communicate with Titokowaru; then go to Waikato, and attack those settlements; and then return to Taupo, which he would make his head-quarters. He also said that Te Kooti intends to give Turanga another thrashing. He says that the enemy's loss at Te Hapimana, and Toha's fight at Te Kiwi, was 18 instead of 7 as reported; and that the Ngatimatewai have only one Chief left, namely, ''Rua'' or ''Taka'', that Paerau Rangikaitipuake is still alive, and was with the men who came to Ahikereru. The Arawa seem much satisfied at your being at the head of affairs. They are calling out for troops at Ohinemutu, but they do not make any attempt to prepare for an attack, in the way of building a Pah. The natives of Ngatiawa, living at Kokohinau, up the Rangita, are very exposed to attack, and are not very reliable. I think they ought to come down to Whakatane to live; or about 40 Troops stationed there to keep them in check. They are anxious to be armed. I should not think it was advisable to do so. They have a great many relations with Te Kooti. A report came in last night that Te Kooti is marching for Ohinemuri, Upper Thames. It came from Taupo, and from here, so there is likely to be some truth in it. The natives all feel sure that Te Kooti will not leave us alone. I do not mean this settlement - but that he intends mischief somewhere. This settlement, from its position, is easily defended, and I do not think he would attack it even with a small force to defend it. Col. Harrington is getting the men into better order, and drilling them well. If hostilities break out in Waikato, or elsewhere, I am always ready for active service, and should be glad to go if required. I will write again when there is anything important. Yours truly (Signed) George Preece.