John and his wife if I can. I find that Mr Ferard passed today down with Blutchers. The Hapuku has gone dow[n]. I do hope you may get down tommorrow in safety. I was so sorry you left home just at the time you did as we could have put all the books to right the time of the rain. There will be very little pleasure for John and his wife this time of the year the country being in such a state. Do you believe that I was half inclined to take charge of the wool ship and I would have done so if I thought things would go on