left here, having been to Gisborne got his men and back to Wairoa with them. Then he marched at once for the Lake - there was no drinking or delay so there can be no question of his earnestness and also of the able way he handles his men. Cuming a very good man for Wairoa Town is useless at the Lake. He thinks of nothing but his rear like all soldiers I have had to do with. Ropata refused my offer to take his food to the Lake for him saying his men should carry it. I have directed Cumming to return to Wairoa with Constabulary and Wairoa natives so as to reduce expense. Good bye till we meet remember me to Fox and Gisborne. Yours always J.D. Ormond