to buy provisions and is virtually dead to all New Plymouth, I had no time to deliver your message as he evaporated from me in a great hurry, I however sent him word by his former factotum (Batkin). The old Captn. I met accidentally and he gave me a cordial shake of the hand and asked after you very kindly. The present Superintendent is a man who has risen in my opinion very much and I am glad to tell you he is very popular with the people and deservedly so as he has proved himself to be a better man than people suspected and is also a painstaking man of business. To wind up with biography I should fill a letter with gossip in no time were I to outline much more on personalities so I shall defer the remainder until I have the pleasure of seeing you at Auckland. My official letter will give you some idea of the vast public business transacted by me on account of the Govt. the Ikamoana to wit all of which is about equivalent to nothing. Parris, W. & H. Halse accompanied me to Waitara whene I parted from the 2 latter and the former accompanied me to Mueri, where old Raumoa's wife was and will you believe me Parris entered the Maori house followed by your humble servant he positively crouched down before the old hag a la Maori and rubbed noses with her according to the most approved method amidst tears etc. which was too much for me and was consequently compelled to retire in private and roar for about half an hour to myself. I believe Parris's appointment to be most judicious as he takes a most sensible view of the native question, has a good knowledge of the native language and is a great favorite with the natives throughout the district. Mokau is settled, Hauhari do.,