to the Wairoa's not to Ripata - that tells you all I know about that matter. Fox writes me he proposes to leave for here by the first steamer after the 3rd April and to go from here to Taupo and thence by the Wanganui road to Wanganui and Rangitikei I shd. like to go to Taupo with him if I could, but the Prov. Council will be meeting just then and I dont see how I can manage it. He wants to see the road works etc. Gisborne is still at Dunedin and has been ill but was better I understand. Featherstone leaves on the 3rd April I conclude by the Steamer that takes the English mail to Auckland for the Frisco mail. There is not much local news here - everything very quiet - there is a good deal of dissatisfaction at the Militia work principally in the country - the officers know nothing of their duty and the men are disgusted at having to go long distances to parade and then do nothing and walk home again - I believe there will be a general strike abt, it and I really dont wonder at it. The only remedy is for officers to learn their duty but that is hopeless. I wrote you some time ago about a Lieut's Commission for Mr. Lord the Daily Telegraph Editor, it wd. be as well if you gave it - the Paper is all right and may as well be kept so, Old Withers has some grudge against him and Kennedy tells me Lord is getting dissatisfied at your not giving him this Commission and that it may be as well to do so - put him on if you can soon.