to your force on New Years day but as we require some person to officiate as Gaoler I have directed Newland to continue that office until the Governor's decision is recd. I wrote to the Colonial Secretary on the subject some days since. We fully expect that the Hope is arrived at Nelson or Wellington and are anxiously looking out for an English Mail perhaps the Governor will take us by surprise and bring it with him and if he is able to introduce us to our friend Rangihiata I am sure it would be considered by the whole settlement the most acceptable they can desire to receive. You will learn all the gossip of the place from Webster therefore I shall only add that all are well and desire their kind regards. We are blessed with some fine rain whilst I am writing, which I hope will in some degree renovate the Potatoes and Spring Corn, but I fear it is too late to recover them effectually. Wishing you all the comforts of the season, Believe me, Yours truly, Henry. King.