Letter from W. Halse, to Donald McLean dated 12th. August 1854. New Plymouth 12th. August 1854 My dear McLean, I understand that Mr. Hetley applies to the Surrey or General by this mail, for land at Mokau. I have told him that your intention is not to meddle with the Mokau land until a considerable Block be added. Otherwise, we should have a repitition of the Taranaki land question. Besides Mr. Segar, other officer can only receive applications in regular form, and at, and from a time to be duly announced to the public. So, in form, he is irregular. I just write in order that you may know that there are several people in New Plymouth ready to embark capital at Mokau, whenever the fitting time occurs, --- certainly not yet. It was vexatious to see the steamer run away immediately the boat received her mail without waiting for our mail and some passengers who wished to go North. We were all quill-driving to no purpose. Bell was on board, but I suppose anxious like the rest, to get into Port. He is a sly fellow, never having told me a word of his intended resignation of his seat in the Upper House. By the way, you were wishing I was there, or in the Representatives. So differently do I think upon it, that rather than undergo the Political wear and tear, I should certainly decline both. Office work, I can bear, from long use; but do not like it. The other I would have nothing to do with on any terms. So never hope again to see me in Parliament. We are very quiet, and so are the natives; of whom I scarcely see one. It is reported that an attempt will be made to lure Katatori from his pa, by ploughing some land of his. But I know so little of their movements and doings, purposely keeping aloof from the Massacre, that I shall say nothing more of them at present. Yours sincerely (Signed) W. Halse. To:- Donald McLean.