New Plymouth 16th. Feb. 1852 Dear Sir, The report contains no news, except the accident at Waiwakaiho, and paying damages to natives squatting on our territory. The first occurred in this way :- deceased lived in Nat Reed's service at the Hua, was detected by his wife pilfering, paid off, left for Town and in attempting to wade the Waiwakaiho was drowned. Bad weather intervened and six days elapsed before Reed came to Town, he met the Mother and inquired after the daughter. This was the first intimation of the affair. On the following morning the father came to Barracks and mentioned all particulars when two policemen were sent in search and found deceased as reported. The body was in a state of putrefaction. The second has reference to a fancy piece of land in the Tatara block the property of the Messrs. Morgan cultivated by Nopera and others - considerable damage was done to the crops by cattle and Te Ngahuru was sent for by Mr. Cutfield - who paid £5. The case is likely to be brought under the notice of the Governor. We have had no arrivals by sea since the 14th. of last month when the Lord William Bentinck sailed for Wellington and are therefore without news - rumours are afloat, one that you are coming here as R.M., but until confirmed little importance will be attached to them. When you have time will you let me know your whereabouts and our chances of seeing you - by the way well thought of - is it intended to keep on the Barracks after next month as heretofore? With best wishes, I remain, Faithfully yours, H. Halse.