New Plymouth June 21st. 1850. Dear Sir, By the "Shepherdess", which sails to-day for Wellington, I write to say that a Native Meeting has been recently held at Waitara, in consequence of a letter from Piri Wawau, stating that a letter had been received at Auckland from Taonui, offering for sale to the Government, an extensive tract of land, beginning at Waitara, and on to Mokau. The Report lost nothing by travelling, and the old story of a hostile descent is again revived, a happy excuse for examining ammunition and other stores; which, then seen to, will be laid aside, and the rumour, will be for a time, forgotten. Infinitely more attention has been directed to poor Harris, who is still missing, and whose fate is involved in the greatest mystery. On Tuesday, the 11th. instant, information was brought into town that he had left his house at about 7 the previous evening, and had not returned as usual. Inquiry was at once made by the Police, when it was ascertained that he had been seen near Langham's, on his way to town, at about 8 p.m., the same evening that he had left his house; and a second time on the North East side of Marsland Hill, walking in the direction of Robert's house. It was then about 9 p.m., and dark; and the man, Hellier, who saw him, did not know that he was out of his mind, until the day following. Everything has been done by the Police, settlers, and natives, to find him; and the search terminated last Tuesday evening. Yours very faithfully (Signed) H. Halse. P.S. Mrs. Harris is not expected to leave her bed. The only wonder is that she is still alive. All quiet here. (Signed) H.H. To:- D. McLean Esq.,