Wairoa 7. 1. 69 Dear Sir, There is nothing official to send by the "St. Kilda" but I should be glad to hear from you whether you think it would be prudent to allow Paul Apata to send off 100 men to Turanga. He has been talking all day about it, saying that he feels ashamed at having no men at the fight there. Ihaka, he says, is waiting to go on with him. Without presuming to give an opinion, I should think the proper place for his braves would be their line of retreat, about the head of the Wairoa, or Pa Puni, where the road Te Kooti has made joins the old track, so as to intercept any fugitives. I am most anxious to be up and doing, but, in the peculiar position I am in. expecting Col. Lambert back, as he says he is to return, I cannot act without instructions. I should hardly think reinforcements were required at Poverty Bay, and this place is safe enough. A party of ten men left Matiti this morning, without my knowledge. I have sent for them to come back, and am very doubtful about them. They could do no good, and their guns would be useful to the enemy. Moreover, they are connections of Wari's; and Paul and the others do not wish them to go. Henare and people are waiting to embark, and the steamer is sighted. He also is extremely anxious to have a hand in the fight at Turanga. I wish they had followed down Te Kooti's track from Pa Puni, as they might, at all events, have caught some fugitives, or letter-carriers, I expected to be sent to the front on arrival, but was not. I should be glad of a line to express your wishes. Wishing you a Happy New Year, Believe me to be very truly yours (Signed) Arthur Tuke.