may be short of. I am also in treaty with Dr. Miller for his house and land, if I can get a bargain for it. It may come in well for our old friend the Captain, to save the expense of building in his first outset, should he be determined on coming here. Miller leaves here for Auckland in a few days, as he has not succeeded in obtaining any appointment. I do not know what tidings your official letter may contain, but there can be nothing in the way of your getting the Hospital, if Capt. Grey has not promised it to McShane of Nelson. The settlement has never been so tranquil as as present. I have completed the purchase of 10,000 more acres, since you left; and there is a perfect landchoosing mania in the place, for the last fortnight; and we are in the best imaginable spirist as to our future prospects, and have good reasons for expecting that as we are now acquiring plenty of land, and friendly with the natives, that our settlement will take a prominent lead, as the most substantial and prosperous in the Island. It may, however, be three years before the current turns in our favour; but even now many of the labourers who left for Wellington and Adelaide are anxious to return. When you were here I was diffident in giving a decided opinion in favour of the place. Matters have since brightened up considerably, and I can, with safety, say more in favour of it, than I would have ventured when you were here. Bell has received instructions to facilitate any of the Wanganui settlers in exchanging their land here, so there can be no further obstacle on that head. There is a Meeting to-night to take the claims against the Company into consideration. Capt. King is most anxours that you should take a lead in such matters; and Mrs. King is delighted at the idea of Mrs. Wilson, and probably Mrs, Campbell, becoming neighbours. [unsigned copy.]