Letter from W. Halse, to Donald McLean Esq. New Plymouth 19th. December 1853. My dear McLean, I write, in the usual hurry of post morning, a few lines to you. Pat Wilson came in last evening, and reported that you were, when he left Wanganui, expected there to complete the purchase of the land between Waitotara and Patea; so there is, at length, a prospect of our meeting. To-morrow Cooper and I start south on business, out of which we intend to get a little pleasure; so, if you are so near to us at Wanganui, a meeting half way would be pleasant to all concerned. I mean one between Waimate and the land south; as we are bound so far. In the first place, the Moutoti natives have given the Bishop, for school purposes, 500 acres, which are to be surveyed; and a grant procured by Cooper to the Crown, and re-conveyed to the Bishop. The Waimate natives have offered land to Mr. Turton, for there is no time to obtain the Governor's consent to the latter. P. Harrington will survey, and Cooper complete, subject to the Governor's satisfaction. You will have heard of Des Vana's disaster, at Waimate, setting fire to the Station, which was destroyed, and all in it, save a few packages he and Mrs. Des Vana managed to save. The natives have impounded these goods, and it is one of Cooper's businesses to set this right, by paying (Mr. Turton) the natives for the timber used in the erection of the Station, --- the rascals. So if you are anywhere near, do manage that we may meet. We have a £1000 here awaiting you. The Governor was, when last we heard, off to New Caledonia; but is probably back by this time. Nothing is known regarding Cooper, whom I hope to see permanently established here, as Land or Native Commissioner. I haste, yours sincerely (Signed) W. Halse. Govett will accompany us to Moutoti; Miss Cooper probably all the way, --- her first trip south. We start early to-morrow. (Signed) W.H. To:- D. McLean Esq. WanganuiorWellington