Taranaki July 6th, 1854 My dear Sir, I arrived home in the 'Gazelle' on the 29th ult. after a very rough passage of three weeks from Auckland. The reputation of the Aberdeen clipper occasioned some anxiety but as soon as we did get a fair wind, away was the word and we walked up to the anchorage in smart style. Nopera and Karena landed safely - the latter was improved in health by the trip and paid McKenzie four pounds for his passage. Will you cause any letters received for me in Auckland to be sent on here retaining the 'Herald'. I have to thank Mr.Russel for having forwarded two letters to me which I found on my arrival. The very unfavorable weather here during my absence has retarded the surveys but I am glad to say that they are now proceeding satisfactorily. Rogan is up with the birds and disappears quietly whenever a chance offers and on Saturday evening he appears amongst us without a word of his toils and looking apparently as though he had only walked out of the adjoining house - Cooper thinks the surveys will be completed in about a week if the present fine weather continues - Poor old Rawiri Waiaua is I fear fast failing - I saw him shortly after my return, slowly bending his way to the R. M. 's Court to do duty in an unimportant native Case between Haeana and Wiremu Ropiha about a horse - If you can move the authorities to pay the Assessors, Now in the 4th quarter, I think it would materially assist the cause in this Province, and I venture to suggest the names of Wiremu Kingi, katatore and Wi te Ahoaho for the vacancies in the authorised establishment without forgetting my friend Waka whose willing services are well known to you - Raniera would I think be proud of a like distinction, in short the name is legion and hence the difficulty I feel in making the suggestion - An opportunity offering I asked Mr. W. Carrington what our chances were in his neighbourhood - he replied 'my time is up ago' - 'they are very good but nothing can be done in a hurry' - William who was present said he understood from Rogan that an unfavorable letter had been written to Mr. McLean about the Tapuae district but W.C. denied it and there the matter ended - I am glad to say that your friends are well - I remain, My dear Sir, Faithfully yours, H. Halse