they should not nibble off the bait without swallowing the hook. My poor old father has written a letter on the subject of a superannuation allowance which under the act of 1858 he is justly entitled to - And how it is he has not got it I cannot conceive. He has served 10 years and five months and ought to have got £125 per annum - He is now on his 73 year and in the course of nature but a few years to enjoy the bounty of the Government. I trust that you will see the justice of his claim - I do not trouble you much about my private friends - simply because I feel a shrinking from thrusting my relatives under your notice - But if you see an opening for my brother Marsden - whom I am sure you would like if you knew him - he would be thankful. He would make a good officer and has had some experience with the natives. He is liked everywhere -was with Gorst in the Waikato,