to Waiapu was so very short that I had no opportunity of getting written leave, verbally however he said Whether this would be sufficient to warrant me in taking such leave is rather puzzling, and might be of serious consequence to me should anything unforeseen occur. If this reaches you in time to catch any of Kopu's or Ihaka's natives returning you would greatly oblige me by sending me some instructions with regard to this matter. I could start from here at any moment and be in Napier within 24 hours. Everything here is quiet and orderly; the township looks very thriving, fencing and house building seem to be the order of the day. The high prices obtained at the last sale have given a start to the whole didtrict.