Turanganui Dec. 30 /68 My dear McLean, I received all the stores from Ahuriri and am much obliged by your care. The kindness you showed in sending me the papers and books touched me home, for I am getting desperately tired of stopping here in the Sirocco and dust. A ton of the biscuit that left Napier last night will be close to Ngatapa tomorrow. I think we shall be all right for food now unless Koti gets help outside to embarrass our supplies. We have got nearly enough competent horses and now that we are not pressed I dare say we shall be able to get more. The price has not averaged above £3.10 Nearly our whole fighting force is now at Ngatapa Rapata has recovered his sickness, and though still weak reached the front at midday this day I hope the Wairoa expedition may make a catch. I can hardly say I expect it for I do not think Urewera are likely to come in just now. Nikora undoubtedly quarrelled with Koti as we are informed, and though he may have been received by them when Koti would not be I can hardly believe in face of Mair's report about the January runanga at Ruatahuna that they are yet in the field. I feel sure Nikora and Waru are towards or upon the lake not at Maungapohatu or Puketapu. However I hope I am wrong in my speculation and