so as to drop upon Taonui enroute I could then have explained many things relating to this place on which the Auckland authorities are lamentably ignorant. But I have recd, a letter from my mother saying that they are coming down at once and I am expecting them every hour, so that I cannot now go up - at least not until the end of the summer. Bayly's case remains in statu quo. The reward has been increased to £20, as Sir G. Grey suggested, but nothing has been done further in the matter - the Natives never allude to it now. Halse is standing for Supt. and his canvass is going on with spirit. He has the support of every honest thinking man in the place. Sir. G. Grey behaved like a trump in the matter. His answer to Wilson's letter was verbatim as I said it wd. be. Wicksteed and C. Brown are in the field. W. has few supporters, but C.B. is backed by the "Association" who are using every means to have him returned. He is going to the dogs head foremost, having let his store and given up the retail business to Batkin. Two heavy mortgages are about being immediately called in and his marriage settlement prevents his raising money to pay them off - so that his ruin in a very short time is inevitable, and his patriotism is all in the hopes of obtaining employment and a salary. Rogan has sold Skibbereen, and is living In town doing just enough to keep his bread buttered and no more, I read what you said to him and he says he will feel greatly obliged for employment anywhere that he can get a decent salary. I wish he had something here, but O.C. has the offer, of the appt. under Halse and I think he will accept it. Rogan is so perfectly trustworthy