N.P. Jan. 8, 1852. Dear Sir, After Mr. Pelichet left, I had upwards of 30 Puketapu and Paraeiti natives at Barracks about the mysterious death of the horse "Miriona". The party was headed by Tahana, Raniers and Parata the younger all of whom desire Rawiri Waiaua may not continue to be as assessor. I said to them "This is a serious charge but until Rawiri has an opportunity of making his statement I must decline forwarding the papers for publication." They were satisfied and shortly after left. I went to work copying and it was well, for Hakopa (who I sent down yesterday) returned at an early hour this morg. with a message from Katatori for the originals - after writing a promise from Hakopa to see them returned I gave them to him and he left. I now forward the copies for your information and without any reference to Rawiri Waiaua until I either see or hear from him - then I will write to you again. The barque rode out the N. Wester in good style and I am glad to say the weather is now fine - we have had a prodigious wet season and most of the new arrivals just are astonished. It is not yet known how many will stay with us from the Bentinck, so I must let you know in my next. Port Nic. is to be blessed with 30, at least so the Skipper told me, and I believe we shall get the same number. Of course you have heard of Mrs. Wilson's windfall just a cool £3000. The Dr. looks at least 10 years younger and will I believe and hope live much longer than that to enjoy it. Always faithfully yours, H. Halse. P.S. Bad news for G.S. C ....r. The youngest Miss Richardson the very one I had cut out for him, is (so the passengers say) engaged to a Mr. de Foe or some such name a very gentlemanly fellow I hear.