from Kaipara; since that period, I have been so engaged with the Natives and their complaints, and so busy with my customs correspondence, accounts and returns that I have been unable to give my attention to other matters. I do my best and work hard to get through the itinerant duties I have undertaken, but I frequently have my doubts whether I shall succeed. Respecting Pirikawau, I have said in the official letter concerning him, all I could say conscientiously in his behalf. He is a good natured, and I think a well meaning young man, but he has much yet to learn before he becomes a good interpreter --- one great point in his favor is, that the Natives are very partial to him, and I have every reason to believe it would give them great satisfaction if he was permanently appointed here. They seem proud that one of their own race should be capable of interpreting and when they come to me they are not disposed to enter upon the matter that brings them until Pirikawau is present. Assuming that you see fit to recommend him for the Interpretership here, he ought not in my opinion to expect