Kaipara 18 July/71 My dear Sir, I received your two notes, the last, this morning; which has made me all jolly to think you have nailed the 10,000 acres, and having it on record is a great stroke of business which to my mind is very refreshing in these times of great depression of spirits. I observe you wish me to go to Masterton well I have been too long in the service and am too old a soldier to refuse duty. At all events it shows I am not to be abandoned to potatoes and Auckland farming yet a while. I have a Court case on Monday, am going to Wairoa next week, perhaps to Whangarei for a Court and Gisborne wants me to go to Mahurangi but this is too much if I am to go to Masterton. I want to know what you think of my letter to Fenton. I dont think he likes it. I saw him lately but no allusion was made thereto. I am afraid there will be some trouble about a question of sheep between the Kaihu Maoris and Scarrott but if there were no difficulties there would be no work so I'll try and be jolly. I have at last taken example by you, given over alcoholic drink; a small quantity of beer only in my beverage Nowadays but I am no richer for the change. I shall be glad to have a day or two with you at Wellington. Enquiries shall be made about the Yankee Whaler for your brother the Captn. a voyage home will put him on his legs for another 10 years. I am obliged to burn all private letters now. I find my papers have been overlooked and some letters opened. Never direct a letter to Mount Albert. I am yours, J. Rogan Remember me to Douglas. Thanks for your kind enquiries about Mrs. Farr -- she is complaining again but it is not so bad as the last attack. She has gone very curious in her mode of speech a stammering and a hesitancy in expression which is so unusual because she generally describes her thoughts with clearness.