the only officer who at once got up a decent redoubt when Taupo was first occupied. Since road works were started he is still the only officer who makes any show. I mention these things because they want encouragement. The general tone of the A. C. officers is to shirk everything of that kind. Young Pitt at Poverty Bay is another very promising officer, not above making his force useful in any capacity. Also Cumming at Wairoa I find very useful. He is the only one I have met with yet who can be trusted with Native work he seems discreet and sensible. I can best describe the difference between him and Roberts by saying the latter will make the most of any difficulty and fuss about any Native irregularity. and fuss about any Native irregularity. Cumming will write a private letter saying so and so has happened, but he has not mentioned it in his official. To tell you the truth I shall be very glad to be quit of Roberts who I consider an ass and very vain and silly. March 30th. The Luna started last night for Wellington but had to return the Souther blowing being too much for her. Fairchild is in a great way at his bad luck with weather. Fox telegraphs me today he will not be able to come here as proposed, next week, but will come through the Bush from Rangitikei about the end of the month. This afternoon I heard from Hamlin that Te Waru and Reihana had assaulted Kelly the Member and hurt him a good deal. He wanted to apprehend them I communicated with Fox and he was authorised to do so provided it could be done without creating disturbance