up the river. She will sail probably about Monday or Tuesday and this will take me back within the specified time. I have only just returned from the Wairoa after a very pleasant trip. Mr. Richmond arrived at Kaihu en route for Hokianga on Wednesday last. Te Tirarau is at present, and expresses much anxiety about the settlement of his land question. Mr. Walton (whom I saw this afternoon) says that this negotiation will be