time and attention must be required upon more important matters - I am watching the proceedings of the Assembly with great attention - and think the Government have reason to be satisfied with the general temper of the ''House'' thanks to the successes over the disaffected natives - I was quite horrified to see some of my private letters to you printed amongst the papers laid before the ''House''. I do not think it is quite fair to me - not that I object to the of the communications appearing but the is hardly fitted for an official document. When I write of ''hammering'' any one you may depend it is only for the eye of a friend - You say you do not know what I require the £4,000 for - You cannot have seen my official letters on the subject when I have fully explained everything - Strange to say I have never heard of any cross purposes between Preece Mair and Hamlin from this side - What is it? Everything is quiet - and I am carrying on an extensive correspondence whith every native that writes to this office - Firth