Letter from W. Halse to Donald McLean Esq. Land Commissioner, dated 31st. January 1853. New Plymouth 31st. January 1853. My dear McLean, I write as usual in a hurry, solely to request your interest for Rogan, should the report brought by---(?) reported to have come up to marry Miss Richardson), on Saturday be true, of a recent surveyorship under your orders. An official letter is lying here for W. Pelichet, who is said to have written to the Governor-in-Chief, that he purposed visiting Taranaki during his wife's confinement. If so, the Official letter will determine the matter. Rogan, himself, wrote to you some time since, at my recommendation. He has a little to do here, chiefly mapping for the lawyers, but scarcely sufficient to keep him in the place. You will have heard that I am standing for Superintendent; only, however, in deference to others, and after it was ascertained that the Governor-in-Chief would consider it no objection that a candi- date was already in the Government service. I believe I shall win, though it is difficult to say. I have done my part, and shall continue to do so. I trust in the goodness of my intentions in the matter. I do trust we shall see you according to promise. We are in great straits for land. I really do not see any prospects. I do not learn from Cooper that he is after any particular Block. The Government at Auckland are shamefully inert. The £500 authorised by the Governor-in-Chief, has never been remitted. The natives for whom it was required are worn out of all patience. I gave all the Bell Block on the 10th. under the restriction against compensation. There was considerable dissension, but the people quieted down better than I had expected. Pray come up, and bring some influential absentees. Land is all we want to make us prosperous and contented above all places; for we are not like the people of other settlements, who abandon everything for agitation. Doctor Wilson on leave. Scotland left this morning for Wanganui. They will be back in a month. The people here have been desperately bad of influenza; the natives likewise. Young Kope, (Black Bess's husband) having been just carried off by it. You will remember him, old Kope's son, married to Erihapite. I am, in haste, etc. (Signed)W. Halse. P.S. Is there any prospect of promotion for my brother, not here, but elsewhere? He talks occasionally, and I quiet him, but for a time. Des Vana says the Governor is coming here almost immediately (Signed) W.H. To:- D. McLean Esq.M