The Hutt Wellington, April 20th. 1862. My dear Sir, Many thanks for the tender of your kind offices and expression of feeling for my future welfare in your letter of the 2nd. Unfortunately I did not get the Superintendents letter forwarded to me by Capt. Bishop for two days in the meantime I went to see Fitz. and he began to pump me to such an extent as to what had to be done during my location here, whether it was for a short or more lengthened period as he expressed it that though perhaps injudiciously I felt that the most summary way to settle him would be to write him a letter and have forwarded to you an official copy. He evidently to determined to get every thing he could out of me and querys and suggestions flowed so fast from his oleaginous tongue that shewed me that he imagined he had the whip hand consequent to my declining to take his verbal instructions he wrote to Carkeek not to pay my salary except by his authority, but considering that it was not at any rate till the 27th. or within 4 days of the end of the month that he could assume a dictatorial position, I consider that until my resignation is accepted I am entitled to pay and had I once placed myself under him I should have lost my point and the grounds of my resignation been lost in effect. Carkeek says that it is evidently done in spite, which is the case. I have in accordance with your instructions seen the Superintendent (the Deputy Lands Purchase Commr.) relative to the handing over all the papers etc. and will do so before the Mail leaves and send you a receipted schedule. I have been in the Wairarapa lately collecting my instruments and different properties that were scattered. I presented Mrs. Bidwill with yournote and parcel she appeared much pleased and desired me to thank you most kindly. Bidwill has just lost about 200 sheep and a large portion of his fencing by the late heavy floads which have quite destroyed the Road over the Rimutaka and washed away all the bridges so it is quite impracticable to take a cart into the valley now and I imagine many months will elapse before it can be opened again. I see the Assembly gazetted for the 26th. June at Wellington, but time will show no doubt. Natives have been making frequent application in reference to different things but I of course have declined to take any action except in answering queries. I do not hear anything about the probable settlement of Werita's Block but from hints I have received I think it will be settled ultimately amicably. I purpose going down South by the steamer on the 15th. May provided I hear from you by the previous steamer, and perhaps you would cause to be specified to the Sub Treasurer the date to which my salary will be paid or difficulties may be thrown in the way and in that case I should be detained, which as the winter is rapidly approaching is not desirable. Any letters you could give me for your Southern friends would be acceptable. I have sent by this mail some letters for friends in England which should it suit your convenience would be very glad to see you in the old country to which allow me to wish you a very pleasant visit. I hope Douglas is flourishing. Searancke writes in rather a gloomy tone in regard to his prospects. Why doesnt he cut them for it is evident that as long as the present party are in power he has no chance. I send you the account current balanced and an a/c current for the £100. And with kindest remembrances from Mrs. Fraser in which I most sincerely join Believe me My dear Sir, Yours faithfully Malcolm Fraser.