Mount Albert 4 Mar /64 My dear Sir, I find it impossible to write to you as I should wish in the office in consequence of the many interruptions one meets with, which you know so well yourself that it is unnecessary or me to say more about. As it is now nearly midnight I am not going to write to you at length as I posted a letter to your address yesterday. I am now preparing to leave for Kaipara with Mr. and Mrs. Fox, we start in a day or two, nothing preventing. In the mean time I send you back the bills all paid and as you dont appear to be in a hurry about getting your travelling expenses paid perhaps you will send me back a check for the full amount. Ashman 5. 7. The shoemaker 3. 18. McGuffin 10. Check £14. 10. I have put down the amount of the Check from Memory, if I am wrong correct me - If you want anything done write in about 3 weeks time as I hope to be back then - I am building a large house here and carrying on all top ropes which will end in going to prison if I am not careful - I purchased a few sheep 2 months ago and sold them today at a profit of nearly 50 p. cent I had an awful row with Shortland yesterday which ended in my favor, E kore rawa to taua tupu e heke - I made an arrangement with Ngatittahinga, and Ngatiteata most satisfactory to all parties - Notwithstanding all that may be said of the war I like the tangata Maori, there are worse people to be met with in this world and if you have many of these Waikato men from the other side of the water you will quickly find it out, . We are all well here and my sister desires to be kindly remembered to you - Always yours and hoping to meet you again I am, etc. J. Rogan I have an idea when the opportunity offers of applying for leave of absence to pay you a friendly visit -