The Waiwa's are getting tired of it so you must not expect them to hold out much longer. I get heaps of letters saying it is cold and they wish to come home - and pressing to be told to attack or come away - You made a mistake not to use pressure on the Ahikereru side as I recommended - The Urewera are just on the turn a very little would make them give in - if they see a chance of avoiding it they will not do so - At least that is my opinion - I hope they may - I am satisfied that a little pressure would end the matter and that they would surrender - Should the Wairoa's leave the Lake without the Urewera coming in, then it has to be done over again next spring - We shall see Hapurona may exercise influence my opinion is he will not induce Paerau and Whenuanui to come out - You will most likely have late news by Telegraph before this reaches so I will say no more - This new R.M. Rochfort is a fearful stick - It is too bad putting such people into place - He is a regular old woman and unless he improves very much on acquaintance his appointment will cause great discontent among the people here - He sits in grand