We have had splendid weather this last week but it is unsettled again now. I am very busy - Provincial Council meets on the 9th and there is a great deal to do - the session is likely to be a long one. You will almost certainly be here before long now so I will say no more. Always Yours very truly, J. D. Ormond. P. S. I had forgotten I promised Rhodes to write you about the lease of Sir.T.G. Browne' s land at Clive - Rhodes tells me he has written repeatedly to Whittaker and yourself and what he wants from Whittaker is a reply, either that he will not get a long lease again of the land, or that he will - Rhodes wants a long lease at his old rental £300 a year - he would not take a short lease so he tells me. He wants a definite answer because Mr. St. Hill run is now for sale (Te Mata) and if he does not get a long lease of Browne's land he will buy Mr.St.Hills - Barny having agreed to find the money - Will you try and see Whittaker and get a reply - W. will know if Sir T.G.B. means to lease again for a long term. If not the sooner Rhodes knows it the better for him as several parties are looking after the other Run which he may consequently lose, and being handy to his freehold it wd. suit him. J.D.O.