Extract from a private Letter from a Missionary on the East Coast.

"The most absurdly exaggerated reports are in circulation about our losses at Waikato. When the poor "Avon" (Steam transport on the river) was injured, she had on board 1000 men, all of whom perished! The General must have more lives than a cat. He was killed at Waikato, and 20l. taken out of each of his boots. He went in disguise as a minister to one of the pas (I think Paterangi). The bell was rung, and he took his station in the pulpit, but counted each person as he entered. As the karakia (Church service) was proceeding, a Maori noticed some part of the uniform under the surplice; the alarm was given, and the unfortunate General was despatched. There are several other stories of the same character flying about, which are all implicitly believed."