Govt. Buildings Auckland Dec. 8th. 1869. My Dear Sir, I am much grieved at your remarks in your note of to-day, concerning the detention of your letters. In justification, will you permit me to say that when you left Auckland, you never informed me of the place to which you were going. I thought I was doing right indeed, by sending them. Had I not taken upon myself to do so, you would not be in possession of your Despatches, even to-day. The Postmaster here had no instructions to forward them, nor had anyone else. It is the rule to open, and at once record, letters. This rule, Mr. Gisborne, when here, gave me, and I followed it with you ever since. I will, however, strictly comply with your instructions; and I sincerely trust never to merit, at your hands, such a painful tone as that it has been my misfortune to receive in the note referred to. Before getting it, I had again that morning, posted to you at Shortland, a second packet of letters; which had accumulated since the last packet was sent! For God's sake, don't blow me for this! Do you wish me to send you the letters I have recorded since your departure? They are unimportant. Believe me, my dear Sir, ever yours faithfully (Signed) Walter H. Pilliet.