I am waiting for Samuel Williams to return - when he does I will send Locke to meet the natives concerned in Pukawa to talk the matter over. Williams wd. have considerable influence with them so I think it better to wait his return. Vogel telegraphed me last night that considerable discontent exists at Auckland at slow progress of Railway work. Of course I have known this for some time and done my best to push on the work. Now all is ready and waiting for Brogden's tender. From last advices from the South Brogden will be back in Wellington in about ten days and I shall be there to meet him. The Mercer Railway shall be the first urged on Brogden's attention as it has been the first of which data have been supplied him. You can tell Vogel the difficulty I have had. I did my best to get Brogden back to Wellington to start the Railways ready but Reeves urged it wd. have had a very bad effect in Middle Island if he had come. The general conditions for contracts are now settled and no further delay ought to take place or shall if I can help it - A