and understands the Maories so well that he would often be an invaluable assistant to me were he in the service. He behave extremely well at Mokau. W. Carrington came out in the St. Michael as blind as ever or worse his disease having returned on the voyage. He has gone to Tapuae to live with the Maories, and will I fear be in the way of our obtaining the land there, of which I had great hopes having half talked old Rangi into it. He said that if Ngarongamate agreed he thought it might be done, but I fear now that Welly will get hold of him and talk him over and the same with Bob when he arrives, as he is sure to see him first. W. Williams also seemed to agree to it. I will not pain you my dear McLean by writing a letter of condolence