and start the road works you have agreed to there. That poor devil, Bousfield, begs most humbly for employment; and unless you have strong objections, I will give him a trifle for looking after the roads from Poverty Bay. It will be a real charity; and moreover he will do that work as well as anyone else who is to be got. Burton could not leave his station and Flax Mill just now for Poverty Bay work. I understand the "Luna" must go on from Poverty Bay to Auckland; but most likely Read's new steamer will be down here in a few days more; and I can return here in her. I have been very busy of late; and must try and get away from the office. I feel as if I needed a change. I shall be disappointed if you do not arrange for Ropata to look up Mr. Te Kooti; and if you do, pray insist on the utmost secrecy. I will take no inkling goes from here; and I am satisfied a well selected force, moving in from Poverty Bay, would have every chance of success. I must close, Yours very truly, (Signed) J.D. Ormond. Tylee goes by the "Luna" to see Fox for something. I want him to get the place here that man Hail is in. Gisborne could arrange it, if Fox asked him.