Napier 8th April 1863 My dear Wood, I send a copy of the Loan Act which was read a thrice time today. I indeed before submitting it for the Governor's consent to furnish the information you call for respecting the financial position of the Province. I shall have a resolution of the Council passed to have a change made in the land regulations so as to preserve a portion of the Provincial Estate from too easey surrender and lease it to run holders for a term of 14 years at the experation of which we can pay off all liabilities and much more than we have yet incurred. The official copy of the Bill will be sent by an early opportunity supported by what you require. I am glad we have moved at last in the matter of the constabulary force. Vacancies should be left to fill up here as I have retained persons in the Province for that purpose. I am going to ask you to let the Steamers remain here two days instead of an uncertain time as at present. You have her for 9 days at Auckland and the Captain informs me that he could easily stay here for that time if you sanction it. I would rather have this done than have an outcry about the very inefficient state of the present mail service had as you must admit it is. I do not like to see the General Government attacked about it if it can be avoided. I am getting on smoothly with the Council, the only opposition has been from one or two officials whose services I can easily dispense with. I am glad Taranaki is going quietly. In this Province I am getting the Natives into a much better state than they were, and within the last few days I have purchased 20,000 acres of land. The bargain was closed the day after the Loan bill passed through the second reading. I hope Mrs. Wood and you are well it seems you have your hands full of work at present. Yours very truly,