New Plymouth 29 Sept. 1851. My dear McLean, I was much pleased to hear of your marriage but not surprised after the recommendatory essay you volunteered some time since in favour of a similar step on my part for I set you down as doomed to every possible happiness I could wish or think of for you. I am not inclined to be selfish on such an occasion though I have asked myself the question of immediate benefit to a man from his friends' marriage if he have no cake? The absence from Wellington of the coasting vessels may solve the point, and may be pointed at as a mode of future transmission of the customary thing. There is to be a meeting of natives this morning which report says is in reference to land the Huia is interested in and disposed to sell. This is all I know. I wish you would give out the Bell Block. In haste, Yours sincerely, W. Halse. D. McLean Esq. J.P.