Hobson Street Mon chere frere Have just received your letter and glad of it. I expect the affection of your ankle is from over fatigue and weakness. Rest, I trust, will put all right and not settle into gout. Walking at all times is an enemy to you or indeed over exertion of any kind and this is just a reminder to you to be careful. The excitement of expecting you here has so far lulled in the meantime so do not be uneasy in that respect. I saw you were not at the native meeting. They were evidently greatly delighted and a little enjoyment of the kind was thoroughly well bestowed. They may well call themselves your children. Was there ever a man so devoted to a race as you are to them but you reap great happiness from doing so much good. Wellington down to zero for want of some excitement. This regal regime has not one third of the eclat about them Sir J F had. The colonies have been so far recognised in the person of the great Sir George Bowen that is the light to take of it and not anything that he has done. Will you send a telegram soon. It is Goodwin I think you are with. They have always kept an orderly quiet house and Dr Hitching understands you but nevertheless I think you cannot have much to detain you much [crossed out] longer at Napier. Hart is not satisfied with Vogel. He is too busy blowing his own trumpet and in his idea takes the credit of the present policy too much as his own and is inclined to ignore his colleagues. Sir George Grey he is most bitter against. He is very well just now. Kate taking precious care of herself. I hear nothing of the broncitis now but the sprained ankle takes a long time to heal. They are putting a bow window in the dining room which is a decided improvement. Douglas very well. Football has commenced. I wish it would pour of rain every Saturday for it is a rough game. St John has a cold. The judge anxious to see you before he goes to Canterbury. Mr Creighton spent a day here last week. Have not seen anyone since. Hope I hear soon that you are on your way here. In haste Annabella McLean Monday afternoon