P. S. Sturt, Napier Jan. 19 /69 My dear McLean, I am on my way to Turanga in order to get things put in a state to be left. The heavy sea running will prevent my calling at Wairoa as I had intended. All appears to be quiet at present. A story came to Wellington dated from Whanganui on the 14th inst., to the effect that Kooti had reached Rotoaira and was giving a version of his defeat suited to encourage a fresh attempt. The story seems improbable looking to the distance from Ngatapa to Taupo unless indeed Kooti escaped before the place was fully invested. Our Taupo friends will be able to correct the account of the siege. On the West there is some reason to think that Titokowaru is preparing to retreat. A party of men from his camp have been stopping back in the old haunts about Ngutu--o--te--manu and are suspected to be at work preparing a defensible place for the rebel force to retire upon. I have ordered swords for our Taupo friends none are to be had in store. The question of guns may be put off. Yours faithfully, J. C. RICHMOND