Saturday, 30th June, 1838

Like dominoes toppling one after the other, Durward Kingston's return on the Rapid has caused problem after problem.

First, he came with the news that there would be no further funds, nor further staff, for Light to complete the survey. And once Light received the news that the Commission required that he use a quicker, less accurate method to finish the thing, he resigned as Surveyor General, stating that he would rather not do the job at all than do it badly. This left the position of Surveyor General vacant and who pushed his way to the front of the queue, claiming that he would lead the Province out its difficulty? Why, none other than Durward Kingston!

The rest of the Surveying Party seemed to believe that Kingston would be hard pressed to lead a group in silent prayer, because as one, they doffed their caps, said "No Thank you!" and resigned en masse.

So now the Company has a half finished survey and no surveyors, save Kingston, to complete the job. And the general consensus is that Kingston's skill would be stretched to breaking point mapping the hairs on a baboon's arse.

Light and Finniss, it seems, are planning to establish a private surveying company, employing a number of experienced surveyors who have recently made themselves available to be engaged. It seems that Light has suggested that he would be willing to continue the work, but at a price that would probably drive the Company into the arms of the bailiffs.

So the Company finds itself with one surveyor who can't manage the job; unable to afford to engage the private company that can; and unwilling to engage Light because, of course, he would do the job on his terms and not theirs.

Fisher must be at his wit's end - which, if we're honest, is not that long a trek - because he had the unmitigated temerity to send ME a note asking if I had any suggestions.

As it happens, I have a great many suggestions for Mr Fisher, but sadly, none of them relate to the current situation. Some, I surmise, may even be physically impossible, though I am willing to see him test this theory

Instead, I found satisfaction in answering him in the following terms.

"My Dear Fisher;

It seems clear that the situation with the survey party places you in quite the pickle and if it occurred three, or even two weeks ago I, naturally, would have been delighted to offer a solution to a difficulty which appears to have you flummoxed.

Sadly, as you may be aware, I have been recalled to London and I am afraid that all my time is taken up with preparation for my imminent departure. I simply cannot spare the 20 or 30 minutes it would take to solve this puzzle that is clearly too much for you.

The only suggestion I can offer is that you speak with Mr Milner Stephen. He will be acting in the role of Governor after I depart and, no doubt, will have many interesting and original ideas to bring to bear on the crisis in which you find yourself.

I am, Sir, Yours &c...."

Let him stick that up his pipe and smoke it.