11

E.—4a

B. Dear Me. Van Asch, — Sumner, 11th December, 1888. lam just writing a note to ask a favour of you. You know, of course, the difficulty lam finding to pull myself straight; and, of course, my little difficulties worry me somewhat. I am writing to you because I would rather put myself under an obligation to you than to any one else, and also because you have more than once advised me to let you know my difficulties, and expressed your willingness to help me ; and, again, you know exactly my position, and know you would be running no risk. I want to ask you if you would lend me £40, at the usual interest, and let me pay you back by instalments of £6 a month until it is paid off, with the interest. If you would so oblige me, you would be doing me a real kindness, and that would allow me to pull myself quite straight, and save me no end of worry. I feel sure you will oblige me, but will you kindly send, me round a note in the morning to let me know, and if you cannot do it will you mind my going to town in the morning, as I must then make some other arrangements. I would not, however, try to do anything without first asking you. Trusting you will help me in this way, I remain, Yours, &c,

H. B. Ckopts.

C. My Dear Me. Van Asch, — Marton, 19th January, 1891. Just a few lines to cover a cheque—£6 ss.—for George's last quarter. Will you kindly let me know of any expenses you have incurred during the year on George's behalf, and I will at once remit the amount. I have been so terribly busy of late that I have not had time to write you a line before, but will you on receipt of this write me a few lines, giving the name of the steamer by which George is to go, and exact date? Will you come north yourself to meet the children; and, if so, can you spare a day or so to run up here ? If not, I will try and meet you in Wellington. I want to have a little private chat with you on matters that may interest you, but which I am not at liberty to write. Mr. Crofts has gone to Hawera for a few days. Excuse this short note, as I am in a hurry to catch the 3 p.m. train for Foxton. With kind regards to Mrs. Van Asch and all the rest of your circle, Yours, &c,

E. K. Simpson.

D. Dear Me. Van Asch, — Marton, 2nd March, 1890. I duly received your letter of the 21st ultimo, and note its contents. I was very sorry about the way we got divided in Wellington. When I went out in the morning it was quite understood they were all going by the "Te Anau," and on my return from the Ngahauranga Slaughteringworks to the Government Buildings I found the "Te Anau " was not to sail until 5 p.m., so waited at the Stock Department to do a little official business; and on my arrival at the Occidental I was surprised to find Mrs. Van Asch had left by the "Penguin," there being no available berths in the "Te Anau." Of course it was entirely my fault, as I had promised to be back by 2 p.m., but got thrown off my guard as above; otherwise George would have gone away with Mrs. Van Asch. I was so annoyed at myself for not getting back in time to see Mrs. Van Asch aboard and say "Goodbye" to her. However, it is all right now. What a splendid time of it you must have had on the West Coast amidst such beautiful scenery! I suppose Mr. Vandervelden will have taken some splendid sketches of the scenery on the West Coast. I suppose you have got the institution in full swing again after the holidays, by which I hope you are much benefited. With reference to my wishing to meet you in Wellington, it does not perhaps really amount to very much after all. It was certainly relative to Mr. Crofts, but Ido not wish my name mixed up in the matter, so I will trust you as a friend. When he came here he did not appear to have any money, and got round me, notwithstanding that you had cautioned me. His story was very plausible : he said his cheque could not be cashed until it was countersigned by you as head of the department, and that your absence from Christchurch was causing the delay. I could scarcely help giving credence to this statement. I had advanced £6 odd; he wanted more on the score that his cheque had arrived at Feilding. I said, " Well, in that case, why do you need any more from me?" I then began to find his statements did not quite corroborate, so did not advance any more. No doubt you will have heard of his illness here. I took him to the doctor. ... I have had a letter from Mr. Crofts a few days ago, in which he states he had to advance a few pounds to get the children home, and which he expects the department to refund; and, again, his agent had foolishly let his house at Sumner for a longer period than he had authorised him to do, in consequence of which he had been obliged to take lodgings, otherwise he would have been able to return my money. Now, all this strictly for your private information. We are having very bad harvest weather here. A large proportion of the crops are still in the stook. I hope William has had a fair harvest and good crops. I will tell you later on how Tom's crops turn out. I suppose you received my cheque for George's December quarter. If you will kindly let me know of any outlay on his behalf, I will send you a cheque for the same. With kind regards to Mrs. Van Asch, in which Mrs. Simpson joins, I am, &c, E. K. Simpson. Although this is a private letter, if you deem it necessary to make use of its contents in the interests of the institution I will make no objection.—X, K. Simpson,