Kaipara, 6th Augt. /70 My dear Sir, I have just finished a letter regarding the ''Cutter'' which I hope you will think favorably of - she has always been a matter of concern, but thank god for all things. I believe I should have been drowned in Kaipara long ago but for her I have reason to be thankful you know the Kaipara and that it is not the place for open boats. My services with out a boat would be little use at home at Te Makiri and as to the Mail boats the expense of travelling in them and hiring other boats would be far greater and occupy more time than the Govt. would like. Formerly I have been wind bound at the heads for weeks at a sett.t and could not move - If I saw any more economical way of moving about here I would not hesitate to suggest it. If a steamer were on it might be different. Then she would not land me at certain places. I have not said anything about there being no charge ever made for travelling here which should be credited to the Telegraph. I see the Hauhaus are showing at Tolaga Bay and Westrup is after them. I was hunting over my letters last night and found many of yours which I thought had better be destroyed although they are the only friendly ones I had. I am always anxious for news from Parliament I sincerely hope you will retain hold of the reins until you retire from Public life and I hope then I may pass the rest of my time nearer to you. The wind and rain has been something very unusual here even for this time of year - I quite expect you have too much to occupy you to send me lines, but a line from you always puts me in good humour. Halse never writes now. I suppose he is too much occupied. I shall write to you from Napier. I am, Very truly yours, J. Rogan.