I think we have the best of it not excepting the far famed West Coast. The staggers were absurdly exaggerated and the only really bad thing that has happened was the burning the country which did some harm - Brogden is here and went today to Pakipaki and all round the Plains he is delighted with the place and says it is the best he has seen - I see in your last you refer to the Governor's anger at Vogel using Govt. House he was very wild whilst I was at Wellington - He also got into a tiff with Gisborne about some man he wanted put into the Constabulary. Gisborne demurred and would not do it and the old Governor was furious - when Gisborne and I went to an Executive instead of being as usual he was ushered in in great state, and formally desired us to be seated. I advised Gisborne to have the man taken on trial and told Sir G. it was arranged so that I made my peace I suppose - He was very bitter and silly in the way he talked of the Vogels such as fancy Lady Bowen's bed room being used by two Jewesses and such like - and now I must wind up write me what you think after considering the more important part of my letter. Yours always J.D.Ormond