Letter from P. Wilson, to Donald McLean, dated 9th. Jan. 1849. . New Plymouth. 9th. January 1849. My dear McLean, Your letter of the 9th. ultimo came to hand; and we were glad to learn that you were co comfortably enjoying yourself. We are all going on in the old way, and now about to very busy, as harvest is on the eve of settling in generally. Some wheat has already been cut. Our Races went off, I believe, not quite so successfully as was anticipated; and Cutfield, rather to the disappointment of those with whom the foolish affair originated, carried off the Grand Prize cleverly. We must be busy ere next year to see and get up some useful agricultural affair for public amusement; and thus knock this racing folly in the head. We had a grand affair in Court on Thursday last. George, the late publican, brought in a Bill against a person named Cox, for £8.14/- incurred by brandy, ale, etc. I objected to his being heard, or to the Court taking any cognizance of his claim. The law was referred to; but that the Bench, and no fewer than six of us sat thereon, did not think bore me out; so the case was adjourned till Thursday next. I think still that I am right, viz,- that a publican puts himself beyond the law when he gives a man credit for liquor. Our Licensing Law says, Act. 24,- "No licensed person shall take in pledge for any liquor sold or supplied, nor shall any such person take in payment for the same except metallic, or paper money." Now what is a pledge? A man pledges his , as well as his or anything else; and a pledge, according to my view, is not payment, but a something in lieu thereof, to be redeemed hereafter. And what are we to infer from the latter clause but that it is to be in cash transaction, i.e. that neither his furniture, the clothes on his back, , are valid. I hope I may succeed, as it will give a check to tippling; and that there is too much of here. At all events the demur caused a very considerable sensation; and I am told that March and Ramsden went each home, and wisely posted in their Public Rooms - "". They, I understand, are pleased at the circumstance. What does Master Bell mean in his legislative speech, by libelling the Taranaki natives? There are but a few restive among them, namely the Puketapus; and he knows well enough that his own scandalous conduct in the whoremongering line was greatly the cause of their obstreperousness. Well may he marry a Jewess. Wicksteed and I will leave this for Wanganui, in the course of eight or ten days, provided we hear confirmed the report that the Compensation Lands are to be chosen on the first of February. I have heard nothing as yet from the Principal Agent of the Company, relative to my land; and if next post is barren thereon, I shall commence to publish the whole affair, both here and in England. I have a letter from Thomas, of later date than yours, in which he told me you had received your orders to purchase Manawatu and Rangitikei. I presume, therefore, you are now so occupied on one or other of those places, and so address this . I hope he will succeed in finding a location for his Canterbury folks on this Island. Never mind what those restless, characteristically dispused Wellingtonians say about the nominal Council. Were angels to come to administer, they would be dissatisfied. Anarchy and ruin would be the certain consequences of free representation, situated as we now are. I have even great distrust of the present system, with such a fellow as Bell, legislating; but we shall see. Mrs. W. and Patricic desire their kindest regards. William is going on as usual; but, like many others, ran wild on the Races. Luckily his horse bolted; so that I rather apprehend he will not again be found in the jockey list. We have now nothing but gallopers along our roads,- Sundays and Saturdays, Maoris and Pakehas. I wish Sir George would patronise agricultural shows, etc., and restrain all countenance to Racing; as assuredly it is doing serious harm to both. Believe me, my dear Mac. ever faithfully yours, (Signed) P. Wilson. William says Newsham has got two bushels of the grass seed, and may require the rest. There were 4 in all. I find I gave my cyphers from the wrong pages, in my last; so you would make nothing of them. This I found out on receipt of yours.