I have got no further with the negociations for the 70 Mile Bush, and do not care to press the purchase. Karaitiana is at the bottom of all the difficulty he is a cunning sweep and very obstinate. Rangitane are all eager to sell and they all agree the land is to go - the only question is the price and on that Karaitiana and a lot of these sweeps of Europeans tell them they have only to hang out and we must give them what they ask. It is very trying but there is nothing for it but patience. Master Karaitiana is to see me today I fully expect his proposal will be a big lump sum for himself. He is so used now to getting heavy pay that it is a matter of course - I had a talk with O'Rorke the other day about Rochfort R. M. and he promised to see me again about him - I have made careful enquiry now from all kinds of people and the universal feeling is that he is utterly unfit for his position - The idea is that it is quite useless taking cases into his Court and people act upon it - I have spoken also about the District Court and feel sure so long as he is Judge it will scarcely ever be used - I know nothing against the man except this general verdict of his incompetency The stories told about him are most ridiculous and if the quarter I hear is true the man is the greatest ass in creation - Old Carter came to me the other day and told me the trouble he has with him over his duties of Receiver of Land Revenue is extreme - now I am sure Carter wd. not complain without cause and if he complains of dulness you can judge what the man must be. You must please get Gisborne to shift him if it is not done soon there will be a general petition for his removal -