We spent the evening a la Darby and Joan, and whilst having a hit at backgammon Lowell came in and enlivened us with the wondrous success of his house, and the numberless grand effects he has in projection. The Zingari, from the South, arrived at Maunkua at 9 p.m.

Sunday: 14th A heavenly morning. Turned out a little after 7. a brig signalled outside Piri which arrived in harbour about 3 o’clock, and proved to be the Ocean from Melbourne. Colonels Wynyard, Baddeley, Geo. Wynyard, Taveners, and Greenwood back. All quiet at Taranaki. A circus lady came in the Zingari. Heather Ball sailed for Sydney, and Zillah for the coast, at 11 a.m. Went to Church morning and evening. The weather is becoming very warm. Retired to rest at 9. [indecipherable].

Monday: 15th: Again an enchanting morning. Astir betimes. Made a variety of extracts from the papers, and carried them to the office. Down to the nominations. House to diner at 2, and down streets again. Kitty out in the evening and I had a game at the Exchange. An unusually melting day for the season of the year. The election works were carried on quietly. Very dull in spirits.

Tuesday: 16th: Up betimes, and set to work to glean the dreary waste of Southern papers from which I could extract nothing worth my pains. Prepared an extract of the nominations and their results. Wonga sailed for the Bay at noon. Mrs. Alexander dined with us. Penned sundry pars. St. Kilda in from the coast. A schooner and another sail in sight. To the office writing and revising until past one.