New Plymouth January 27th. 1851. Dear Sir, The "Sir Edward Paget" and "Shepherdess" arrived here yesterday from the North. They bring news of the death of General Pitt on the 8th. inst. In the evening, after the "Shepherdess" had sailed for Wellington, an Auckland native Policeman, Hemi Karena, arrived overland, with two despatches for the Governor-in-Chief, and continued his journey this day. The "Mary" is said to be on her way, and full of passengers for this settlement. Amongst them is Charles Hursthouse, who deserves a warm reception from those for whom he has done so much. If true, and followed by further immigration, elbow room will be found wanting. As it is, land is greatly needed. Toheroa, the other day, speaking of your long absence, said, that in future he should call you "Makarini" and talked of returning to the South. We are quite in the dark as to the intentions of the Government, here, for the future. Many are waiting to see what is to be done before taking a leap, that may be into the fire. I hope to hear from you before the day of selection, having no desire to select anywhere except North of the Waiwakaiho. Since I last wrote to you, Johnson has been employed, and sworn in as a Special Constable, in place of G. Gutch. The duty consists of one night watch from 12 p.m. to 4 a.m. for which he receives pay at the rate of £1 a week, subscribed by the storekeepers. Having 20 out of the 24 hours entirely to himself, he is doing well, and no doubt would be glad if it were permanent. There are many strangers here, whom no one knows or cares for, except to watch; which we do to the utmost of our power. What with them, and English arrivals, I assure you this place is very different since you left. "Who is that?" is about the only question asked from one week's end to the other. Miss King returned in the "Paget" and I hear, is well. I had previously enquired about her neatly worked flaxen bags, and ascertained that she took all she had to Auckland. Mr. Woon's son came round in the "Shepherdess" and intends to enter into business as a stationer, etc. Captain King came into town this morning, and was looking well. There was a native case - Hemi of Ngatiruanui (not my old friend, the 'Porewarewa') stole a cloth cap on Saturday evening, from Gem's shop, and was taken, with the property, by Hakopa, on the following day (yesterday) and brought to Barracks. The cap, which was returned to the owner, was valued at 3/- and a fine of 12/- inflicted, and paid by Mr. Charles Brown, who happened to owe the prisoner's people some money. No opportunity has offered to Mokau, since you wished me to send seed potatoes to Mr. Snachenberg. They are now good for nothing, the recent close atmosphere having decomposed them. You will be glad to hear that Black's work is finished in a satisfactory manner, a piece of good fortune he could not have expected. Hoping you are well, and that I shall soon hear from you, I remain Yours faithfully (Signed) H. Halse. To:- D. McLean Esq.