4th. May. (no further date) Dear Mr. McLean, Four days ago I heard from Mr. Kingi some women had come to his Kainga, and reported Te Kooti being still in Waioweka. Further,- a man was expected in. Yesterday this man arrived here; Matenga, (a son of a man named Morris), a Ngatikuhungungu. He had come in on my promise that if he guided us, his life would be spared. Nothing has been heard of the letters I sent to Hera. Matenga states Te Kooti is at Te Tahora with Hera Te Popo. Men, women, and children are about 150; the men poorly armed. Now I had a guide, William King, who had refused to move before, offered to join me with 30 men; and I rode down to get the Whakatoeas together, as arranged. Thursday we were to have marched. Fancy my disgust when they plumply told me they would not go, except on pay. Their kumeras would be nothing, etc. etc. I rode back, very despondent, and just met the ''St. Kilda'' bringing me orders from Mr. Fox, to organise an Expedition up the Waioweka; on the same conditions as Ropata's force. I hardly think the Whakatoeas would dare to disobey a Minister's orders. At any risk, however, I shall carry out my intentions. I have just time to scribble this to go off by the ''St. Kilda''. Believe me Yours ever, (Signed) J.H.H. St. John.