Geyser Hotel,
Whakarewarewa.
July 20th, 1898

H.E. Partridge Esq,

My dear Partridge,

In reply to yours of the 15th inst, I send you what I can relative to Sophia and Heta Te Haana. With reference to Pataea and Mari Te Wharepapa - I have expected a native from the north (who was expected here at the Native Lands Court) to give me the desired information, but he did not turn up, so you have to wait "yet a while".

Sophia Hinerangi was the famous guide of the White and the Pink Terraces, and it was in her hut, at Te Wairoa, that nearly all the people, who were saved, took shelter on that awful night of the Tarawera eruption in June 10th 1886. Sophia who now lives at Whakarewarewa, where she maintains her prestige as the guide, was born at Kororareka, Bay of Islands, in 1830, her father Alexander Gray, a Scotchman, came to New Zealand as a ships blacksmith, her mother was named Hinerangi, she belonged to the Natiruanui tribe of Taranaki.

Heta te Haana a much respected Chief of the Ngatirangi branch of the Ngapuhi tribe - Heta died some 3 years ago, about 56 years of age, his father's name was Matahaea.

I regret much my inability to send you any further particulars at present about Heta.

With regards, I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Charles E. Nelson.