Auckland Decr. 16. 62. My dear Sir - Since I last wrote to you, very little of any consequence has transpired in this Metropolitan city worth mentioning beyond the action Busby v. Bell which lasted two days and has just terminated, in Bell's favor - The Govr. was obliged to attend against his inclinationl but poor old Busby made very little of him. The only other subject of public interest is the intended departure of the 'Avon' from Manukau to Waikato. Kennedy the Banker told me a few days ago that the Maori question was all settled He talked in such a Bishopised manner that I thought proper to let him have his own way. Not thinking worth my while to argue the matter with him - Gorst is in Town with his wife and he says that Clarke his interpreter reports that Waikato is determined to oppose the Steamer going into the river. It is reported that they intend going to the Heads in a body to prevent her entrance - You may recollect a considerable time ago you recommended the Govt. to buy some sections of land at Mangatawhiri for the purpose of giving to natives - find S. G. G. has caused to be purchased several sections and is giving some to the Whanganui party who are up here - So you see he is merely following in your wake. There are no alterations in the Native Dept. at present and I suppose we are doomed to continue on in the whole and corner principle I saw Ferrard yesterday who seems to be pursuing the same course of uncertainty as to whether he will go or not to some place or other - The 'Miranda' came in yesterday and the people say that other vessels of war are coming soon to support if necessary the Waikato affair. We shall be all wrong again if Waikato rises. The natives can yet do us a vast amount of damage and will throw the N. Island back years if the Govt. is not careful - H. Brown made a trial trip to Kaipara and failed signally. The natives will not have him. All will at Mount Albert. I hope you and your friends at Hawkes Bay are the same - When are you going to write again - Yours always John Rogan