New Plymouth 27th. September 1850 Dear Sir, I received from Mr. Weston, who landed with Captain Campbell from the "Governor Grey" this morning, your letter of the 14th. inst. and have attended to it. Mr. Smith had previously undertaken to shew him about Town, in the hope of meeting with temporary accomodation, failing which, my cottage will be at his service. I can only account for your not receiving anything from me by the last overland mail, by my omitting "Rangitikei" in the address; which may have caused the Postmaster at Wanganui to place your letters in the bag for Wellington. I have seen Fenning. He denies having entered into the Agreement; and likewise that Mr. Caines has any claim on him whatever. The case is beyond the jurisdiction of the Resident Magistrate's Court; and unless Mr. Caines can produce something better than the copy of the Agreement, which is neither signed nor attended, an application to the Supreme Court would most likely fall to the ground. However the man is here; and as far as I know, likely to remain, having lately taken turbo himself a wife. The "Mariner" is daily expected here; and should the June ship meet her, what a scrambling there will be for accomodation. I am sorry the general state of things here should have prevented building on speculation, but if it be true that a Company is forming at Home to work our iron sand, houses will not long be found wanting; neither will there be occasion to visit the region of California. All that I see wanting to push this settlement on, is land. Let that land be North or South, it matters not, so long as peaceable possession can be ensured, Europeans will be satisfied. I am sorry to say Mrs. Wilson has been ill again, and the weather has prevented my wife calling on her. I hear - but cannot say it is true - that Mr. Wilson wishes to let his farm. If so, there will be no great difficulty about that. Cowling's base is settled better than I expected. Not so with E Waka, who goes hand in glove with Pita; both promising to be guided by Wiremu Kingi, (that is to say, by his acts of stubborness), as if he had anything to do with the business. Honi Ropiha has attended to your letter, and will see E Waka again, who maintains the same story, that you gave the land to him. I shall either write to Mr. Cainesby this opportunity, or wait for the overland on Monday next. Hoping you are well, I remain dear Sir, faithfully yours (Signed) H. Halse. P.S. All is quiet here. To:- D. McLean Esq.