Waiuku, Feb. 20/61 My dear Sir, Having heard by this days mail of my wife's illness, I trust you will not be angry at seeing me in Auckland towards the latter end of thw week. The news from Taranaki is bad indeed, what with the war and fever, we are burying our poor settlers, their wives, and their children almost as fast as graves can be made for them. My brother will yet I fear come to grief owing to his liability to an affection of the throat now prevalent there. His wife and youngest child have already been to the door of death, and the last letter holds out but little hope for his eldest child Loeta. I will bring Mr. Shepherds account, which requires to be properly made out, which there is not time to by this post. I visited Katipa this morning and find there is a letter for you - as the tide was low Tamati Ngaporo had not arrived, but I expect he is now with Katipa. Hoping to see you soon and talk over little matters that do not appear in my private letter of the 18th. Believe me faithfully yours H. Halse Will you kindly send the enclosed to Mrs. Halse.