but satisfactory and looked upon as a great sign of weakness on the part of Govt., and moreover that it is known Hall will like to get the offer to be able to throw it at Ministers in the House but will not accept. It certainly is a great slight to supporters of Ministers to see them going outside the party and will not strengthen you I am sure. There may be little in it but my letters speak of Bell as very busy in the matter - If he is going in for the Speakership it is a pity he should meddle with such matters - it is exactly what is complained of with Munro. There is a Meeting on Tuesday at Takapou about the sale of the Bush but I hear the Natives will stick for twenty thousand pounds whilst my offer is £14,000 and £1,000 for Karaitiana, Peeti and one or two others - I dont really think it is worth more and if they refuse my offer I shall try and purchase the best Blocks; they must sell some land and to that they agree, to pay for survey and advances