Taranaki 2 May, 1854 My dear McLean, We have not yet heard of your arrival at Auckland which must have occurred before this. Rogan wrote me from Kawhia, and afterwards from Mokau where he still is. Nor does he say when we may expect him. I believe I said that the Superintendent intended putting him on the Estimates at £150, but I was misinformed, as the Council still refuse to expend money on a department they cannot controul. It is unfortunate for the place that the surveys should be retarded by such selfish views, and I suppose I must apply to Auckland for authority to appoint a Surveyor by the day. The Hua block is far from being ready to give out, and if this continue, the Natives will be unable to occupy their 2000 acres in time to cultivate this season. So they will remain on lands which otherwise would be given up to us. Carrington has cut the best practicable lines of road and is still engaged upon them. Heneri Puni is busy cultivating and fencing land in the Waiwakaiho block which we are not likely to get until you can see that old rascal Puni. The people are getting fidgetty, but until the lands are handed over to me I really cannot give them out. Cooper will of course keep you fully and regularly informed on native matters bearing in any way on the land question. The Govt. brig was in Wellington on the date of our last papers (22d). She has besides the Auditor General, the Otago lot, andbesides others, E.G. Wakefield is coming round en route for Auckland. The Lady Clarke has been here and sailed next day for Batavia. She brought Mrs. Douglass and 2 children who landed at Auckland from Melbourne where her husband died. She is a very fine young woman, and the accounts she gives of the trials she has undergone very much exalt her. She was, as you may know, one of the Shaws. The Velox and Rapid are here loading for Sydney and Melbourne, though the 1st took nearly a full cargo at Kawhia. The Matilda is in from Wellington - no news. The Nelson steamer has arrived at Nelson from Auckland. Desbaux and Captain King have been here from Wanganui, and returned last week. Our concert and theatricals passed off with complete success and astonished even those behind the scenes. It is too near post time to send you any account. Tonight the actors give a hop at A. King's to which I am invited. Mrs. Govett's last child (a baby) died about a week since. I send you last week's paper enclosed, as Leech will not send them by land, I believe. Yours very sincerely W. Halse Beetham has returned from Welln., and obtained employment from Bell - I received an official last mail informing me that Henry was to be Interpreter at 5/- daily when required by me, as a temporary measure until the question of his salary can be brought before the General Assembly. For this he stands indebted to you. This was in consequence of the Resident Magistrate's letter written on your suggestion. There is a large native meeting at a place above Wareroa, called Ketimari (probably misspelt) to renew the compact against land selling. It is estimated that 2000 are present, and it is convened chiefly on account of recent sales hereabouts. Beetham passed through the meeting and was surprised at the number. Riemenschneider likewise told me of it. Tamati William has gone to it.