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English (ATL)

Auckland

25th April, 1859



My Dear Sir,

As the Wellington Mail goes tomorrow by the 'Swan' I write you a line to say 'all's well'. I returned from Waiuku last week after wasting a good 3 weeks with the Ngatiteata Mob, and after all I was obliged to bring back the money - I need not tell you about Norris as you were passenger with him to Nelson - I had a letter from Cutfield giving a sketch of his (Norris') moonlight exit. The only news amongst the savages is that a large party of the Kingites assembled at Kawhia for the purpose of hoisting the Flag at the Heads in order to demand Customs dues from vessels entering the Port. The resident Chiefs met the party and stated that they might hoist their flag as long as they pleased but to interfere with vessels or the Queen's laws was another matter which would not be permitted by them and ultimately I believe the whole affair fell through, which to my mind is very satisfactory.

I am unable to tell you anything about the office as I have been in the country principally since you left, but when I do come in, everything seems to go on in the usual manner - The land questions have in fact been so worked out that unless fresh groundis broken little or nothing remains to be done in the old purchases - I am thinking soon to go to Pakiri about the Waikui awera B-which if purchased will connect the whole line of coast from Auckland to Whangarei which will be a good thing done.

I have been very remiss in not calling to see Douglass, but Jemmey goes frequently, he told me that the boy was suffering from a bad cold but had recovered. I saw him through Dickey's window yesterday with Mrs.Kingdon going to Church and he looked remarkably well he is growing very tall and stout and he begins to exhibit a very respectable calf.

I am quite out of sorts with Auckland and I heartily wish you were back again Great preparations are being made for the Ball which comes off at Govt.House tonight, all the Naval and Military will of course be there in full fig. I received a card of invitation but as usual I cannot muster sufficient spirit to go. I believe those who do not go this time will not be asked again - so much for that. I was in hopes that there was a letter from you when I returned from Waiuku, when do you expect to be in Auckland again.


Yours very sincerely,
John Rogan