Wellington Jany 24th/73 Ma chere frere Matters go on quietly here. I wrote you last week as I supposed by the 'Luna' but I hope the letter went overland as the 'Luna' is here still. Your speeches are well reported in the Independent. They give one the clue that you are not without difficulties to contend against. It is my anxiety from morning till night lest you over work yourself. One would not have such a feeling if yours were ordinary transactions but constantly some new phase of Maori grievances cropping up each year becoming more intricate. These land disputes are almost worse than an open rebellion. They are for ever smouldering and creating an irritation. I wonder if Mr Clark is with you. He is a man of calm reflection. It would do you good to have him beside you. Douglas was at the Anniversary Dinner. Mr Wiggins had dinner with him last night. His time seems thoroughly occuped without over fatigue. I do not see him do much with Kentish but these tiresome holidays are an interruption. I hope they are all over now. The Napier Margaret is here and does very well as yet. I had tried to do without a servant but I found there was no economy in doing without and have to keep trim or a boy. Mr Strang is wonderfully well. This little excitement about the church seems to revive him for the present. He says you are taking upon yourself a great responsibility prematurely in proclaiming the amnesty for some little time yet. He says it is a matter of such grave importance that there is no necessity for its proclamation unduly, because Bowen is leaving Douglas heard from the station. I hope you are well kept up in the Napier news. Yours in haste Annabella McLean