Taranaki November 1856. My dear McLean, The "Zingari" has been expected some days. I understand the Council papers will be forwarded by her; and it is said that the Superintendent will accompany them with a recommendation that the Governor do not dissolve the Provincial Government as prayed, but leave it to drag on till next July. If he accedes to the prayer of the Council, we shall bring in Cutfield. If not, the popular feeling aroused by the Chilman doings, will die out; and the time gained may enable the Brown party to rally. As it is, the Superintendent and all concerned stand exposed in an attempt to mislead the General Government, without an appeal to the constituencies; and I do implore you to do all you can for us in getting the Council's representations carried into effect. The Superintendent's interest at Auckland, if he have any, is, we conceive, with Mr. Richmond; (we judge of this, by all the family, men and women, being so active here on his behalf.) But even this may not serve him, since he is no longer Colonial Secretary, this office being now held by Mr. Stafford, who gave him a well-merited castigation in the House last Session. Do your utmost to serve the good cause in which our best people, of all parties, are now engaged. Cutfield has consented to stand, and is well supported. Of the Council Watt, Parris, Elliot, and Russell, have signed the Requisition; his success is as certain as an election can be. . If His Excellency will, however, listen to the many, instead of the one, rely upon it we shall have a respectable Government here. Redhead, Imlay, Humphries, Parris, Elliot, W. C. King, R. Brown, and I believe --- my own name --- are stated as amongst those likely to be brought forward in support of Cutfield's Government. Let it be borne in mind that the Governor's refusal to dissolve the Government leads we should have, for some months to come, the anomaly of a Superintendent without a Council, if we accept those who are deep in the Chilman affair; which is, after all, at the bottom of the present movement. It is, in fact, a want of faith and confidence in the Superintendent and his immediate officers, that has led the Council to appeal to the Governor. 29th. Saturday. The steamer arrived this morning. Nelson, that boasts of its men and its talent, need do so no longer, for Robinson, the mechanic, has been preferred to Munro, the scholar and gentleman. Some grievous mistakes must have led to this; but the election will long stand a blot on the men of Nelson. Our paper is out this morning under new Editors; if "we" mean in this instance really more than one man. Report hath it that several have banded themselves under Richard Brown, who is the "channel" with Woon. But already, in spite of the secrecy said to be observed, Dr. Wilson, Watt, and Norris, are names mentioned as contributors. The first effort is none of the best, whoever wrote it. The arguments are not followed up, and the style is not Editorial. Our suspicions as to the Superintendent's line of policy are set at rest by the publication of his letter, (which will go by the steamer) to the Governor, on the enlargement of the Council and Executive question. The Chilman job is at the bottom of the present movement. The Superintendent stands in the relation of our native party to it, and to improve his chances, --- which are nil, at present, --- he cooly tells the Governor that the great part of the town left by law to the present Provincial Government, should be preserved to it, to enable it to consider the two propositions; and let us trust that the Governor will have opinion likewise; and that it will be in favour of the Council, who ask to be dissolved; You will see that Chilman has part of a lengthly letter in to-day's paper; and still R. Brown's charges remain unanswered. He writes, and looks, as does C. Brown, as if he does not contemplate leaving office. Appearances may be put on. I expect strong representations will be made by both to Mr. Richmond, to parry the Council's application for an answer, to which the return steamer will be most anxiously looked for by all parties. Dr. Richardson is a passenger by the "Zingari", en route for Home. Would that I could free myself from New Zealand, and do likewise. Lots of people are going North this trip, --- amongst them Whiteley and Ironside. Turton and family left for Kawhia during the week; and shame to say it, the leading men of his congregation allowed him to go without an address. We grow selfish, as well as old, in Taranaki. Yours very truly (Signed) W. Halse. To:- Donald McLean Esq.