Napier 29 July 1863 My dear Domett I feel very much obliged for the interest you have taken in our affairs during the present critical state of the Colony and at a time when your hands must be full of all kinds of important work. The Tiffen matter is settled he resigns at the end of the month and I shall submit Mr. Malcolm Fraser a surveyor at Wellington to you for appointment in his place - as he is very competent for the duties. In the mean time you had better send me authority to act, if you send a blank acting commission to provide for any contingency arising from the office not being filled in the interim I can discharge the duty myself. I hear you are soon going to call the Assembly together I shall take an opportunity if I can leave to go up and see you during the session. There is nothing here but drilling taining and preparation for any emergency that may arise unfortunately all this has been neglected to the very last moment, but fortunately Whitmore is well qualified to organise and set matters in motion. Young George looks a handsome active chap in his uniform I have had had time