New Plymouth, September 11th. 1851 Dear Sir, In consequence of my representation to Captain King of the absence of John Medland from night duty now nearly three months and of a second opinion from the Colonial surgeon that Medland would not be fit for the duty stated, I am desired by Captain King to bring this case under your notice with a view of avoiding for the fu the difficulties that now occur in carrying out the duties of the Police. I am, Dear Sir, Very faithfully yours, H. Halse. D. McLean Esq. Since my last letter to you of the 10th. inst. it has occurred to me that Paratene of the Kawau would be a desirable man to secure in place of E. Waka or Honi Ropiha, Utuhia declining to accept the appointment. This third case of horse shooting is so barbarous that I can barely trust myself to speak to Europeans about it - with natives I have done all in my power to assuage their very pardonable anger - luckily for us the owner of the wounded animal is Hone Ropiha - his quiet gentelmanly manner on this trying occasion increases my sorrow that we should have a miscreant amongst us, guilty of an act so atrocious and so repugnant to the commonest feelings of humanity. Capt. King has just been to look at the horse and I went with him. She cannot feed, is in foal and considered in a dangerous state. Seeing several natives about town I thought it advisable to suggest the visit to Capt. King thereby showing some interest in their misfortune. When the "Shepherdess" returns, I shall write again. Hoping Mr McLean is well, In haste, Yours very sincerely, H. Halse. Sep. 15. 1851.