Napier, Jan. 26th, 1870. My dear McLean, I have only just heard the 'Star of the South' leaves in a few minutes for Auckland -- fortunately I have not much to write about. I need not say how anxiously we are looking for news from Tauranga -- Te Kooti should not escape us this time and from the last advices I had of the progress of the Taupo force I do not see how he can. Please tell Vogel I received his telegram yesterday evening and was greatly assured at hearing Firth was being stopped. Fox and Gisborne have both been in a great state of disgust at Pollen accrediting Firth What have you done to cut off Kooti's return to the King country that is a most important point to guard if he get back then it can end in nothing else but war with the King or if it