Tuesday, March 18th

A cool day; wind in the forenoon from S.W., fresh; in the afternoon some rain from N.E., and a very calm evening. The sky lowered gloomily this afternoon, and at six o'clock it was almost dark though the sun had not set. We had a long meeting of the Council, in which Mr Godley's despatch upon local self-government versus the government of the Association was considered, also the wharfage question, and a report upon the pasturage question. In the evening went on board the Australia and took some wine and cigars in the cuddy. Some Australian wine (a Burgundy) was produced and tasted very good. Some pretty green parrots on board, selling at £5 the pair. The Captain and crew all German. Today I saw a letter to Mr Godley written in Maori from a native who claims Quail Island. Mr Godley intends to make enquiries about it at Wellington.