New Plymouth January 18th. 1851. Dear Sir, I send you Mrs. Wilson note to shew that rumours are once more afloat about you, and with increased severity; for this time they have drowned you at sea. However, as long as you are safe on shore, it little matters what "little pedlington" advances. Still, I am at a loss to know why you should be so frequently pounced upon, unless it is because your services here are so much needed. Some inhabitants of the town, whose names are mentioned in the accompanying report, complained to the Resident Magistrate, of the weakness and inefficiency of the Police, in particular to control the discharged soldiers, and strangers who had recently arrived in the settlement, to the number of upwards of 50. They said if Captain King would order the gaoler to take one Night Watch, they would provide a private watchman until they could inform the Governor of the present state of the Police. A memorial to the Governor was afterwards enclosed to Captain King, for transmission. It was preiviously generally shewn, and I saw it. It represented that the number of Police was nominal; and asked for an increase. That the gaoler's situation was almost a sinecure, and should be transferred to the Police. Lastly, that the long and frequent absence of the Inspector was considered unfair to the settlement, which was charged with his salary; and the Memorialists asked if he were not for the future to be permanently resident, that some other Officer should be placed in his stead. I believe the Memorial is to be forwarded by next Monday's Overland Mail. This letter, therefore, will arrive simultaneously. Lately drunkenness has much increased amongst our own people; who will pick a quarrel with the military, if possible, when a fight ensues. It is the same in England. The two powers never agree, and for all lovers of peace, order, and good Government, it is better they never should. France has told us whether it is desirable for a fraternal feeling to exist between the two powers. She is still shivering from the effects, and will proably undergo another convulsion, more calamitous than the last. To return, - the majority of our discharged soldiers, as far as I can see, conduct themselves in a very satisfactory manner; and it is to be regretted they have not fallen in with more general steady employment. I hear some talk of returning to Whanganui, not because they cannot get work, but because they cannot get lodgings. The fact is, some of their own people have promulgated a Statement to the effect that none but the worst characters are discharged from the Regiment. If true, no one will blame our settlers for using every precaution; but if false, a great wrong has been inflicted on a class of men who merit better treatment. You will remember the Agreement with Black and some Puketapu natives, which you drew up about 2 years ago - Well, after incessant dunning, through Rawiri, (I am sorry to say his eyes are bad again), and Halcopa, about a dozen of them came into town with a cart of potatoes, and told me they were going on to Black's. There were 7 out of the 20 acres of 1st. Agreement, and 5 out of 10 acres of 2nd. Agreement, (entered into by Black, without his usual judgement), left unfinished; making in all, 12 acres for them to cut; nearly all of which they have finished, and Black may well consider himself fortunate. In the changes that may take place here, now that the New Zealand Company is no more, do you think you could find a corner for Rogan? He tells me his sojourn with us is likely to be short, which I was sorry to hear, from one so thoroughly acquainted with this settlement, and possessing no mean knowledge of its aboriginal inhabitants. We are daily expecting the "Sir Edward Paget" from Auckland, with few passengers. If Captain Murray made his reception at the Huia known, before she left, it was too bad; but we must grin and bear it. Charles Brown is engaged to Margaret Horn; and no doubt will use all possible expedition for the wedding. Hoping you are well, and on your return. I remain, Yours faithfully (Signed) H. Halse. To:- Donald McLean Esq.