letters received for me in Auckland to be sent on here retaining the 'Herald'. I have to thank Mr.Russel for having forwarded two letters to me which I found on my arrival. The very unfavorable weather here during my absence has retarded the surveys but I am glad to say that they are now proceeding satisfactorily. Rogan is up with the birds and disappears quietly whenever a chance offers and on Saturday evening he appears amongst us without a word of his toils and looking apparently as though he had only walked out of the adjoining house - Cooper thinks the surveys will be completed in about a week if the present fine weather continues -