Defence Office, Wellington. Feby. 3rd. 1872. Dear Sir, There is no particular news to report since my last note other than what has been telegraphed to you. Some little excitement was caused by the publication of a telegram from Napier to the effect that small pox had broken out among the Maories in that district but yesterday as telegraphed to you the report was contradicted. The weather is very hot here - more so than at Wanganui I think, a little rain fell this morning but not sufficient to do much good. Mr. H. Maning is in Wellington on his way to Canterbury where he tells me he is going to stay. He is looking much the same as ever. I see a new newspaper is about to be published in Wellington under the management apparently of Mr. E.J. Wakefield M.H.R. it professes to represent the Scotch interest, and is to be conducted on thoroughly reform principles - Mr. Wakefield is to lecture tonight on the subject. The "Caelano" ship arrived in harbour yesterday after a good passage of 90 days she brings out some Government Immigrants. Work in office going on satisfactorily. I am, with much respect. Yours very truly, T.W. Lewis. P.S. I cashed the £2-10 cheque given you by Mr. Fitzgerald.