Te Teko March 18 1871 My Dear Sir I have just returned from Galatea Mair and I were going into Ahikereru but were compelled to return on account of the heavy rain. During the last two months my men have been stationed here at Fort Clarke and Fort Galatea the two first parties have engaged in garrison duty and road work I have completed a road through the bush at Fort Clarke and intend completing the bridges that were left unfinished in Colonel Whitmores campaign and also two cuttings above Galatea a cart road will then be complete from here to Opepe - The men here have done 40 chains of road across the Titinaroa swamp but I fear there is little chance of it being finished this winter as there is now 3 feet of water in the unfinished part if I cannot go on with it I will go on with the road on the other side of the Matata river - I have heard nothing of Te Kooti for some time - I think it would be advisable to let Te Hura return here as he is anxious to do so - I have my men in good working order I should like to give the men who are working in the swamp a ration of grg daily while they are working in the water they are 6 hours daily up to their middles in water - Whakamate states that he does not think the King will give up the murderers of Mr.Todd - I should like to get my men completed with breechloaders the men would be more effective in action - In case my Contgt. should be done away with I should prefer being appointed to the A.C. than returning to the civil service I should like to know what is to be done with me when the services of my Contingent are not required - Yours truly George Preece