19th Decr. /71 Northern Club, Auckland My dear Mr. McLean, I only arrived here the day before yesterday. The "Wellington" was to have called at Taranaki on the 10th but it was blowing a gale of wind when she passed up and so she stood up the land and did not come near New Plymouth. We knew nothing of her having passed until she called on her trip from Manakau again, so I had no alternative but to wait patiently for the "Taranaki" last Saturday. It was provoking for had I even known she had passed, I could have ridden easily to Patea and done that district in time to catch the boat North. I am going to see Mr. McRae's cadets to-morrow - Major Gordon says it is hopeless to expect the Vols: to come out for inspection during Christmas Week o I shall go on Friday to Tauranga, spend a week at home with my family and return here - I have telegraphed to Col. Lyon to say that I will see the Militia by separate companies on their usual quarterly parade day which fortunately is the 1st week in January - By this means I shall not inconvenience the settlers by having extra parade days - I hear the Vols: are still doing well here and are all hard at work practising for the prize firing - Mr.Carrington desired me to tell you that the Taranaki folk are all anxiously looking for your arrival there - I saw St. John last night, he was unwell and resting quietly in bed which is necessary if he wishes to recover - Major Gordon says everybody is much pleased with the firing regulations and think them an improvement on last year's - I saw Mr.Walker the great Thames shot last night. I believe the Otago people have backed Christie to shoot again for £1000 a side, and Walker says he is quite ready to accept the challenge, provided he is not obliged to go to Otago again - I hope they will fire it at Ch.Ch. on neutral ground - as it will be an interesting competition. The weather here is intensely hot and all the country burnt up - I was very sorry to hear that you have sustained such a loss as your poor brother, pray accept my sincere expression of sympathy - There is no news here - I remain, Yrs. very sincerely Philip Harington.