to the masonic and a rattle trap of a place it is, but a jolly spot for the Maoris, as there is a nice grass plot whereon they can sun themselves, that is whenever that luminary shows out which is but seldom in these parts nowadays. We have had the entire mob of Ngatiwhatua with te Hemara, te Kiri and all the Pakiri claimants who are now enjoying their £800 which Smith paid them a few days ago. I settled the Ikaranganui for the £500 which has been the most satisfactory thing I have ever yet done for the Government, I have also paid the £2000 for Matakohe and am now fighting the battle, as to price for 30,000 acres more, for which the Government will give 8d and the Maoris demand 2/6 a little time will settle this as well as Matakohe. Kemp has sent in the duds for his monster purchases and for all this Richmond sometimes growls. Between you and I, I suspect they, the Ministry are desirous of smashimg our department altogether and will perhaps favor the scheme of individual purchases for the sake of courting popularity. The Treasurer's and Secretary's officers are now at the large house with a balcony in Eden Crescent whene the Jews lived, and beyond this I cannot tell you any news, except that Mrs. H. Miss H. and Charley are away home. I saw the lovely Jenny Graham at her house a few evenings ago and was quite enchanted with her fascinating manners and mnsical accomplishments, she appears however very delicate. The Kaipara natives wished me very much to go back with them and have deposited their money in my care by way of bate to get me back, but Richmond will not let me move until you return which I hope will be soon when you will find me to the good like a bad shilling. No mail from Taranaki this week, by the last, Ihaia was said to be in a very awkward predicament, having been almost surrounded by 450 to his solitary hoko runa, and unless something extraordinary takes place, the slaugh ter will be frightful. No letter from Norris to Johnson, he has treated even him with silent contempt. W. Halse to whom I have written on the subject for advice has not condescended a reply, and from all these things I am so thoroughly put out with everything Taranaki that the idea alone of the place makes me quite cross. I saw W. S. Grahame several times lately who always stops to have a yarn about you. I suppose he will soon be away to old Scotland. Smith has been at the