Auckland 12 Janry. 1858. My dear Sir, A few days after you sailed for Ahuriri, the Kaipara natives returned to Auckland asking 2/- an acre for the £8,000 block, which of course they will not get. I commenced making preparations for my district, when behold news arrived from Sydney that the "Iris" was on her way to this port. The Bay was talked of and it was subsequently arranged that Smith and John White should accompany H. E. The Captain true to his man of war colors was rigid and eschewed anything smacking of the Interpreter, consequently poor Smith and White were compelled to precede H.M.S. --- bunking it out in the St. Kilda which to me would be a far more agreable mode of travelling than in the more imposing craft. Capt. Stewart, Mr. Whitaker, Mrs. Gore Brown and the little ones of course accompanied the Governor. Two dances were given at Government Ho: in honor of the man of war officers and on Wednesday last at 2 o'C. p.m. the different offices were closed with an order that persons were expected to be on the Wynyard peir. The gallant Coll. with his officers and men were ranged along either side of the street, you know the sort of thing, when the Governor and his party passed along, the hand playing God save the Queen, notwithstanding the pertinacious obstinacy of a Scotch mist, which by the way nearly wet me through, being an Irish man. Your friend Jack the Giant Killer arrived from Whangarei shortly after you sailed. He was Richmond twice and explained matters to him in connection with his district. He is now dodging about town, having had temporary leave to compile a map of Whangarei for the Govt. which is begging H.E.'s pardon one of the greatest pieces of trash imaginable, wont you agree with me that Sinclair who is really a neat draftsman is the proper person to do this --- more especially when one reflects on the specimen of sketch plans of Johnson's that are now in this office, you know what I mean, the daubs which look as if a quantity of bullock's blood had dropped accidentally on a sheet of cartridge paper and bespattered it all over. He called at the Governor's who treated him with great politemess, and immediately afterwards an invitation from Mrs. B. came to the office for him. He went accordingly and you know he is a man who is always on the very best terms with himself, and since his visit to Govt. H. I do believe he has done nothing else but shake hands with himself and I am satisfied that he is a character the equal of which I have not met for a long time --- a man of giant killing propensities, strangely blended with a discord touch of the I almost forgot to tell you that on reflection I remember you said something to me about being in the way either to take charge of the office or go with the Govr. the former has fallen to my lot and although T.G.B. told Smith, privately of course, that he was afraid in their absence, the N.L.O. would go to the Devil, as the Ministry would be doing all sorts of things, yet I may say without vanity that we have not as yet reached as far as his satanic Majesty's dominions. I get on comfortable enough with Richmond, and Stafford is almost civil to me occasionally, but for the demeanour of any man who is unknown to me, I care very little as you know. Smith and myself worked off a great many letters after you left, I giving opinions, and he writing the minutes. He told the Govt. that the office was quite safe in my keeping, so I believe H.E. was content. Drummond Hay was seized with a gambling fit and could not tear himself away from the dice. Old Fenton and he have had a desperate split and Fenton now goes by the name of the secret enemy. Richmond requested me to write to Hay stating that he wished to see him, he evaded the letter by a dodge. The next day I was told to see Hay and order him out of Town immediately or a Mem. would be forwarded for his dismissal from the Public Service which so utterly astonished him that he started the following day after mortgaging 6 mos salary to Jackson the lawyer. Fenton himself is going to Waikato for 3 weeks or so when he will kick up his heels for six months at the Public expense and for the fiddle dedee amusements of some Auckland ladies. Baker is off to Whangarei on his leave and may be expected in a few days, and I am occasionally doing the gallant to certain unmentionable but you need not infer from this to see me married on your return. By the way while on this subject, just say when you write from Wellington, if are numerous in the market. I have just received a short note from Smith who says that H.E.'s speech to the natives was super extra and the natives are very much pleased with him. They are I believe going to Hokianga and may not be expected in Auckland for another week. Dixon and Munro deserve my special attention for assiduity to work during the absence the forces and Dixon has proved himself, in my opinion, far superior to Baker, as first clerk in every respect, excepting of course Maori. I have no trouble whatever with paper and everything is done in an orderly and systematic manner. I saw Buckland and asked him incidently what he got for your horses when he said he sold only one. I told him you intended him to sell the other when he could, so he is to have her in for that purpose. Whether I have done right in this or not I dont know but you must only take the will for the deed. Now I cannot think of anything else to say and hoping you will have a happy meeting with your Wellington friends and that you will find you little boy and Mr. Strang in good health and that you will not forget I am yours Very truly, J. Rogan. P.S. I have not yet had any remittance from Norris on account of my land in New Plymouth.