Christ Church December 26th My dear Donald It was my intention to have written a long letter to you before now but we were told that you were expected in Wellington very soon and you may be there now for all I know and if you are & have to go away again it will be a great disappointment to me not to see you as I feel sadly in want of your advice at present. There are several things upon which I should like to have a talk with "you". Robert is here just now on his brother's account who telegraphed for him to come at once and as far as I can judge I think George Hart has got himself into a mess and now falls back upon his brother to help him out of it. I am very sorry indeed that I did not insist & you did not help me upon the putting up of the house a year ago as I much fear that the money will now go. We are going down to Ashburton tomorrow during holiday week. Robert can spare the time as no business can be done. The "Wild Duck" is expected about the middle of Jany but I hope to be home long before that. I have written to Annabella several times to come down but she hardly even answers my letters so I suppose she will come when you are in Wellington but I do think it good of her to stay with Alex. Was out seeing old Mrs MacLean who was so delighted to see me. She is very frail asking and hoping to see you once more and also hoping that you will send Douglas to see her. The McLeans give a very bad account of that fellow McLaine who is in Wellington. J Allan says the best has [crossed out] is to have nothing to do with him as he is a down right bad man. I hear from all sides that your native policy is highly approved of by the people of Canterbury and Robert tells me that your visit to the King Country is considered to be the best thing that has ever been done. You know that I keep my "eyes open". We are going to dine with the Rollestons today and with the Studholmes on Monday. I hope you will be in Wellington to meet the Tollemaches & Douglas but if you are not Robert and myself will show them attention. Mr Strang is keeping wonderfully well. My dear Donald I am always Your afft. sister Catherine Hart Compliment of the season and may God bless your efforts for good.