properly started and. the next thing will be a request from them to make the road by Patetere to Cambridge. All the other works you have lately authorised I have in hand and hope soon to get them started - In respect to Te Kooti I quite agree with you that he is beyond all doubt at Te Wera - as to the employment of Preece and Mair's men I still think they could do the work, but if I were thinking of employing them I shd. first ascertain whether they were eager for it - If they were I have no doubt they would do the business - If not then you have Ropata to fall back upon - but my belief is that any move for the Coast will be known to Whakatohea and made known by them to Te Kooti. The only hope of getting Te Kooti is by surprising him and if Preece and Mair have the elan for it they would do it well. If the expedition were a dangerous one then I shd, consider the Arawa fitness for such work, but they know Te Kooti is a fugitive and they are as good blood-hounds as any others -As to leaving the road open for escape any