you had old Ropata. You give him a horse. Where is mine. Your horse is in the Maraekakaho. If you want you shall have him. I have being doing all I could on the [pivoite?]. Old Paul and Ihaka is the same as usual affter all the bribes and temtation they had from other sources which you are aware of they are not so bad. I shall leave of of about native matters till I se you. I am glad you spent a night at Howick with the McLeans and saw some of their cattles. I should like to have a run up to Auckland and get a good colt for the season as he would require feeding during the winter and we have plenty of hay and oats and allso to have a look at the McLean's bulls and heifers. The Akitio cattle is doing well at the book. They improve the country. The lad Piripi is looking after them well. He is of great sevice in more ways than one. He explains all the native taulk. I understand him but not all the rest. What is Douglas about. I have not heard from him for a long time. If I mind