Land Commissioner's Office, Auckland, February 16/57. My dear Sir, From the accompanying diary of what has occurred in the Office during your absence, I hope you will be put in possession of all you wished to know of our proceedings. Mr. Davis has not yet returned and I think the weather will not permit of his coming for some days yet. Mr. White came to the office this morning but finding that the prolonged leave recommended by you had been approved, returned home again. A native named Ngamau states that Mr. Hay is at present surveying at Waiheke. No opportunity has yet presented itself for sending his letters, but will try to send them now knowing where he is. Mr. Nelson states that the matter selected for the Maori Messenger will not be more than half enough, and as I hesitate to introduce anything without your sanction, I fear it must stand over till your return. One of Mr. Halse's letters contains a report of the cessation of hostilities at Taranaki and of peace having been made between Katatore and the Nimia Natives. Mr. Garland Woon of Taranaki has come up by the Tingari. Mr. Wardell has sent up the deed of conveyance for the land purchased for Govt, at Poverty Bay. The Bishop arrived from the South on Friday. Mr. Searancke has been detained by contrary winds at wet till Saturday afternoon. I do not know whether he had been able to cross yet, owing to the S. wind. Very few Natives have been about and none have had any pressing business. I remain, Sir, Yours most respectfully, William B. Baker.