Mount Albert 2nd. Oct. 1865. My dear Sir, You will no doubt have heard of my getting leave of absence for Napier shipping on board the "Queen" and breaking down near East Cape. On our return here I was altogether disappointed when your letter from Wellington was received by me because it has prevented me from taking passage by the Lord Ashley. I am now about to got back to Kaipara without seeing you, as my leave is up long ago. I feel very much flattered with-your praise of my working ability and your desire to have me at Napier as Judge and for the sake of being near you I should have gladly gone to Napier to stay. As it is, you are well aware how I am situated having a lot of people from Ireland coming upon me and having spent nearly all my money in Auckland I have made up my mind for Kaipara the place where I succeed best. I would not undertake to go and risk the Napier question for any consideration, No Sir, the Govt. will have to give that appointment to Fenton or some one who thinks himself equal to the task. Mr. Farr is very much put out of the way at the idea of the Govt. sending me about after making so many journeys and the conclusion arrived at is that we are now comparatively all right at Mount Albert and we should be content. I have got milk, eggs, butter, fowls, turkeys, veal and mutton and pork of the best. I live on the fat of the land for a mere trifle, can I do more at Napier? You will be Native Minister soon, and whene would I be in Napier then? I have £500, forage for 2 horses and all that and consider myself well off, but above all last winter has settled me. Rheumatic pains have set in at last I am getting the worse for wear and in a word I must remain where I amm You will see by the enclosed account that I received the £100 your letters were all in the office when I came from the country. The Balance £28.12.6 I will retain until I hear from you again. I shall write you a separate letter on the subject of the £600 which I shall soon require to pay for the 1000 acre at Kaipara. Ever yours most sincerely, J. Rogan.