Pata Pata 4th. May 1861. My dear Sir, Ruffin requests me to write to you to say that according to your directions the House has been finished for some time past, and Mr. King wishes for a settlement for the timber got from him in your letter of October you state that Mr. Brackenburg was coming to reside in it and to make improvements he did come of course and talked a great deal and great improvement was to be made, Ruffin was waiting for several weeks to receive his orders for so doing, but that Gentleman never came again and there the matter ended and no improvement has been made, according to desire I have incured the bill and if you will inclose the whole amount in one Ruffin will settle with Messrs. King, as soon as possible. As for myself the only demand is for 600 bricks for the chimney for labour I say nothing/concerning that. Since you were last here Mrs. Ruffin has been twice to Auckland very ill and now will be obliged to go again, and I have been for several weeks under the Doctor's care in Auckland all these mishaps has been a great drawback not being exactly prepared for the like. Wishing you every prosperity and success in your high and important office, I remain yours most Obedt. and Respectfully Hy. Downing.