New Plymouth, Decr. 8 1851. Dear Sir, The ship "Cashmere" sailed yesterday for Wellington, by her we have received an addition of 29 as follow - Rev. G. Bayley, wife and family 6 Mr. Cuttress and family 10 Mr. Ford and family 6 Mr. Moyle 1 Miss Newman 1 Messrs. Woon 3 Female servant to Mrs. Bayley 28 Mr. Williams 29 The latter gentleman was bound for Wellington but being rather seriously ill was landed and taken to Hospital. The family of Cuttress numbers seven daughters and weddings without end are expected - there is to be a picnic next Wednesday and other amusements are to follow to commemorate the season. Mrs. and the two Missess Richardson are expected all this month - the two latter will be a catch for our young squire and your reputed successor G.S. Cooper. Gledhill is not likely to leave again, he intends building and entering into business. With the exception of the usual excitement during the presence of an English vessel, matters are very quiet, even the democratists are resting from their labours apparently absorbed in reflecting on the late extensive importations from Sydney and England. Nothing new about the Land Question. What about the proposed introduction of Pensioners, I should amazingly like to see it carried into effect as likely to facilitate the long pending question. By Cap. King's direction, and he was guided by the Estimates, I told Honi Ropiha, Rawiri, Te Ngahuru, Taumata and Tamati Waka that, in future, until otherwise ordered - they would be paid as Assessors at the rates mentioned in proposed list, the quarter is drawing to a close and I shall be in a fix - what is to be done? By the same authority the Census Returns have been collected by the Police and Gaoler. I foresaw a difficulty and endeavoured to get a Collector appointed under the Census Ordinance passed 15 July 1851 in order that the forms might be correctly filled in - the legal adviser overruled it, and a mass of confused illegible material was the result. I am now called upon to furnish a summary but the meagre nature of the information collected together with no ordinary amount of ignorance will render it difficult to make one. I shall be glad to know your whereabouts - the chances of seeing you and Mrs. McLean and any other news you may have to communicate. What do you think about placing Hakopa on full pay? Hoping you are well, I remain, Dear Sir, Faithfully yours, H. Halse.