(undated copy) Dear Dr. Wilson, As the Wanganui mail left before I returned from the Coast, I am afforded an opportunity of writing you sooner by a Mr. Devinish, who is going to the Huruhi, for some cattle that he has been obliged to leave there, in consequence of old Rangi's determination to assume the right of proprietorship to the roads; through which, however, it appears his clemency periodically admits of persons occasionally visiting Wellington. It is a pity that the old rebel does not employ his own time, and that of his followers, in improving the road, so as to make it worth his while to erect a turn-pike tote, and exact a negrohead - or some other equivalent - for every passenger, with a trifle extra for the fat cattle required for the Troops; as they appear to be above paying - although not above using your pigs and goats at Wanganui; and for which I believe, from what I have quietly heard, they will endeavour to avoid a lady's expostulations in future, by avoiding a repetition of such conduct. Since I returned from the Coast the weather has been so wet that I have not been able to do anything to your garden. If it improves, to-morrow will be the first commencement of putting in some onion seeds; and I shall also endeavour to get as many carrots sown as I can, as they will be found excellent as vegetables, or for keeping pigs, or using in the house. If I cannot secure the different kinds of seed necessary for the garden, I expect to have enough in my own to serve us both. What quantity of potatoes would you advise me to plant for you before you come up? You will be a little surprised when I tell you that the brewer owning the sow you admired so much, asked £20 for her; and considering the man was only joking, I thought of offering him what I considered the value, about 18/- or £1; but finding he was really in earnest, I at once declined gratifying your pigbreeding propensities at such an extravagant cost. Your Auckland letter was duly forwarded by the Mail; and Capt. King only wants to hear from you, or perhaps he may wait till he sees you, to forward an application that you should have the Hospital; and this we can have now no hesitation in doing, on Miller's account, as he intends leaving the place, to go Home by the first vessel. He applied to me this forenoon, to purchase his house and land; and I shall accordingly see whether