ought to get them fire branded this year. If I was you I would make it a condition with Alex if he is to remain here to do so. It might have been all done last year if attention was payed when their was so many idlers about. How does Oliver & Smith manage with less hands than we had just because they work and pay attention to their work. I do not like to be at a place where work is only half done all through neglect and lasyness. Some people make great work about looking after stock. I do not see any difficulty. All it requires is attention and care. Any one that will employ his time looking after a station will soon reap the benifet for his employer that he can afford to reward him according to his works. A station is not a place for any idleness for the work is never done. I do wish you were staying here for a few months and you would see for yourself. Both the Kates are very good house keepers. I do not think they can be fat [?] in New Zealand. Big John was gaving us fine accounts of Douglas. Poor little fellow I wish he was for a month or two with his aunts. I believe Judge Johnston & Mr Strang are coming with this steamer if so we will have to be a little gay. I supose you will gave all your oppinion of the Maorie plains to Alexander. If there is any chance of the law being legal we are first in the market