May 25th, 1864. The Superintendent returned last night with a portion of the friendly natives and some prisoners and wounded. I am afraid he has not accomplished as much as he wanted. I have been unable to obtain any particulars worth recording, unless it be that "Pehi" is an acknowledged kingite, and very kindly advised his Honor to go no far ther than Piperiki, which we well know was meant to be a direct order not to proceed. To-day hehasgone, escorted by about3s men of the cavalry, to Kai-iwi, Waitotara, &c, to see what he can do to stave off the coming struggle. All his efforts to do so are, how ever useless ; the only thing that will be any good is to prepare for it, and that in a proper manner. There was an alarm to-day that luckily turned out false. Whilst the cavalry were out at Kai-iwi — Capt Clark, H.M., 57th. stationed in the country, heard five shots in the direction of Kai-iwi, and im mediately sent word to town. In an instant, it was construed into «n attack on the cavalry, which caused no small stir. Military were ordered out for their support— the whole of the Militia and Volunteers volunteered directly for the front, eager for their work, and many was the affectionate parting be tween young people who thought that they might never return. The excitement was tremendous for a short time, till at last news came in that it was quite false. We must make ourselves used to theie alarms, for there is no disguising the state of affairs now. I cannot see how we can get out of it. Pehi distinctly told his Honor that h© would fight him if he should take the prisoners to town ; and if all be true, his Honor dared him to do so. I hear that the natives are congregating on the Waito tara boundary in . great numbers ; still it maybe a week or two before anything happens. I omitted to tell you in my last of the con sideration of Colonel Logan for the settlers. He has behaved well to us, and deserves great credit for what he has done, and I am nappy to aay, he carries th© good wishes of the whole district with him.
