Mount Albert, 26th Decr. 1870 My dear Sir, I received your letter enclosing the circular relating to that horrible murder of poor Todd I also received a letter of yours from Mr.Morpeth which was duly delivered to Douglas, who is firmly established here. If you will refer back to my last letter you will perceive that Douglas proposed to have breakfast only at Mount Albert, whereas he lives here entirely except of course when he is out on a visit. I do not blame him for this in fact I suppose he found things comfortable for him and cut the town. I have not said a syllable to him on the matter. Farr reminded me of this when I came back and said that he would require £1.10 a week I told him he was quite right to let Douglas have what he wished and you would see him (Farr) yourself - so much for that I think Douglas is looking well. The Governor has stopped the 'Luna', I think most injudiciously because you want her. Here is one murder in Waikato we shall be startled again with another or a dozen. The country is in a dangerous state. I dont even like some things over at Kaipara. Another war I am afraid will be a heavy blow to the North I- and yet the Govr. snaps his fingers at all this - I thought you would be pleased with the P. Bay business. I had hard work there at first. You will be glad to hear that the Kaipara farm is looking up - I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year I am yours etc. J. Rogan