is a little to free with his speech about the Taranaki business. Takapau and Porongahau Middle block (Canning's run) is said by Cooper to be in a mess especially Takapau which as far as he is concerned is never likely to put straight. Your presence here would do much good. Who is the big fat party who hails from the N.L.P. D. he is more like a ranting parson than anything else, he said the Governor could not possible come to Napier but that he did!!! I have written to Ligar and O'Raffertty to Melbourne but do not like the idea of leaving New Zealand, however, whatever is, is right. Always your Most sincere friend, M. Fitzgerald