a force sent against Waikato from this side Taupo had better not be weakened as we could not send more than 100 to 130 men now which wd. be little enough from the European element. Of course I look on Preece and Mair's men as part of any force tobe used from this side - I am pushing on the different Roads and if all goes well shall produce considerable results during the season. Mail is closing. Yours very truly, J.D. Ormond. Many thanks for looking after young Eyre if I had known he wd. be so long he might have come down here, J.D.O.