This is all right. Everything has gone off splendidly, including the rockets and that job lot of watch chains from Chicago. My welcome in New Zealand has been akin to that accorded Cæsar by the Romans—cheering crowds, arches, fireworks, streamers, bands and politicians have prevailed everywhere. Even Cuba Street rose to the occasion, and entered into the proceedings as one shop—thanks to the liberal supply of oil poured on agitated waters by Johnny Holmes, who is one of the best. He seems to know just about as much as most of your subjects, and has a taste in cigars which does him credit. From the moment of our arrival in Auckland Dick seized hold of things in two large hands, and has conducted himself with a loyalty and devotion which can only be repaid by allowing him to add V.C. to the P.C. he already appends to his signature. The light honourable and learned digger permitted no dog to bark when he spoke, and were it not that he breaks forth with orations of an hour's duration on the slightest provocation, I would be almost sorry to part from him. As it is, he is rather overpowering to one of my weak nerves. If anyone makes a suggestion, Richard simply demands to know, "Who's Boss here?"—and the free and independent elector meekly subsides; he seems to have the whole community up his sleeve.

I have been particularly struck while in Wellington with the extraordinary manner in which the wind blows—always round the corner; in fact it has been blowing ever since we came here. Of course I never mention the fact that it is disagreeable, lest your loyal subjects should think I was casting an unworthy slur upon the place; but 1 can mention it to you, of course, in strict confidence. Yesterday morning Ranfurly and myself got up before daybreak to go for a bike ride as far as Ngahauranga and have a bathe in the creek. It was blowing hard enough to take your hair off, but we started. "Pretty windy," T remarked. "Think so?" replied his Ex., as he plugged along into the teeth of it. I said no more till we reached Kaiwarra. "Pretty road!" I ventured. "Think so?" panted Ranfurly. Anyhow I could stand it no longer, and suggested turning back, but I'm blest if it wasn't a head wind home! Luckily, your Majesty's rep keeps pretty good liquid on the premises, and we soon recovered. But the state of that road settled the City Engineer's chance of a medal.