knew no bounds, especially when they fancied that Auckland was dependant upon them for flour. Now, however, they find that they cannot compete with Australia and they have given way to sullenness and apathy. You may imagine that with all these adverse influences at work my post is no sinecure. At times I find it hard work to keep up my faith in the new policy: but on the whole there is encouragement. Time alone can develop the thing, and meanwhile I must be content if I can prevent a retro