Turanga Poverty Bay 1st. November, 1865. D. McLean Esq., Napier. My dear Sir, Our expected storm appears to be culminating. Henry Potae arrived here with some 30 men an Monday last, and our Hauhaus pretend to accept this as declaration of war. They had a meeting at the Whare Whakairo yesterday at which some very violent speeches were made by Lazarous Rukopo, Hemi Tutapo, Tamati Te Rangi Tua Waro, Arawhariki, Hore tauamanaia and Pohipo Whakairo. These appear to have advocated war to the knife. We may therefore expect the storm to burst at any moment. The Hauhau have commenced killing cattle and sheep not many of the latter as yet that we know of the ice once broken they will not fail to help themselves whenever they want a mutton chop. You will see by the above just how we stand should the Ngate Porou arrives as expected in a day or two our force will be much strengthened. Our great want ia leading man of i decisive character among the Natives as Kopu or Morgan for instance. This we have not got and Hirine te Kani appears to be distrusted by all parties, I am sorry to say there is certainly much grounds for there suspicions. He Hirine has left some two tons of flour as he says at Napier could you manage to send it here for him should a vessel from your port call here? They are getting short of food and doubtless the flour would be very acceptable. By the bye Lazarous & Co. speak of making a Pa at Makaraka near Vrens in order to block the road between Turanga Nui and Waerengaahika. I will advise you of any further movement by first opportunity and in the meantime I beg to remain My dear Sir, Very sincerely, J.W. Harris. Out settlers have arrived at Turanganui a regular exodus. There is but one family (Robt. Reads) remaining at their homes - 52 natives with Andrew Matete and Hemi Tutapa are throwing up a redoubt in the Paddock purchased by Mr. Wardell R.M. for the Govt. say about 3 miles from Turanga Nui on the Makaraka road. 2nd. Dec. There are some 150 Hauhau congregated on the Makaraka road. It is said they do not intend throwing up a redoubt. It may be but a demonstration. J.W. H.