in which you will perceive that your Ladyship is quite welcome in that fine district. Have you been debating with yourself whether we should reside permanently in Wellington or not. The climate at Ahuriri is beautiful but I am myself quite undecided where we shall take up our permanent abode although it would be greatly to our advantage in a pecuniary point of view to have that point set at rest. Much however will depend upon Mama's state of health as I conceive it to be our duty to willingly give up any personal considerations for her sake. I find that I had plenty of coats, shirts and trousers at this place without taking such a supply from Wellington. I sold 2 of the coats and I have still 3 including your favourite striped one and to confirm your good taste no one offers to take my striped trousers they are so ugly so I must keep them for winter wear. Thomas has just taken a pair of my duck ones for 5/-, Park my tartan and 2 other vests at 16/ each. I have bought Thomas's watch for £12 and sold my own for £10. I like the excitement of barter and exchange when doing so with gentlemen and in fact we always do it in the bush to pass an idle hour. Thomas sold £80 worth in this room in one day last week. [Note on transcription: 'History of Europe from the French Revolution', written by Rev Archibald Alison.]