I encountered each other rounding a corner in the town. He was rolling drunk and in charge of 2 natives who were dragging him homewards. Still the fellow recognized me, but before my name was well out of his mouth he was away. Drunkenness is a very growing vice with the natives, and I believe cannot be checked. The landlord and the native availing themselves of the many loopholes for escaping the law. Parris has mounted Katatore's flag staff at his house (Prout's lately occupied by Norris who has removed to his own place at the beach) - no ornament I assure you, though perhaps less out of place, if possible, than at the Land Office (Wharepa) where poor Rawiri, Taitera Paora and others were sunning themselves the day before they were murdered. I find by a letter which the Colonial Treasurer has written to Mr.O. Carrington that he has been applying for payment of an account for survey and expenses at the Hua, and moreover has got it. The Government offices are strangely strict and loose at times. Mr.O. Carrington was at the time he performed this service the Government Surveyor