force at Biggs disposal will only amount to about 46 men all told, scarcely enough I think. I would therefore strongly recommend that Gascogne be ordered from Waiapu which will make Biggs up to 63 or thereabouts and that you press on the Government the folly of discharging anymore men just at present. The Coast is at present quiet enough, but if "Aneru Matete" hear that the force at Pov. Bay is so weak, there is no knowing what may happen. My strength at the Wairoa will also be much reduced, I fear to about 50 men, and I really consider them sufficient.