Letter from W. Halse, to Donald McLean. dated 13th. December 1854. Taranaki 16th. December 1854. My dear McLean, But for my uncertainty as to your where-abouts, until I received your letter, I should have written to you before this, --- with regard to Rogan finding it impracticable to induce the natives to work at the Hua and Waiwakaiho, owing to their unsettled state; he started for Mokau last Monday week. I have received one letter from him at Mimi; but without news. He will probably be here about Christmas for a few days, for the forthcoming festivities, --- whereof presently. Impressions of accounts as being of most consequence to me, from want of workers I have had to put off Dr. Knight, with the assurance of their early production in support of accounts already transmitted. June Quarter. 62 Voucher. Survey labour at Mokau (New Plymouth) £4.10/- 74 Voucher Do. (Auckland) 21.12/- 75. Hua do. 6.0/- The above were sent to you at Auckland, but not returned to me. September Quarter. 106. J. Rogan, Kokau (Auckland) £40.3.6 The authority for No. 74. when I get it, will support this. 99. Mr. Carrington's salary 31.10.0 Advances to you as per requisition 420.0.0 December Quarter. Do. 98.5.0 J. Rogan (for Gray) 12.16.8 Hone Ropiha Utuhia. coat, (for which I I paid Mr. McDonnell.) 2.12.0 Cooper, --- mare for Raniera 55.0.0 You will remember signing a receipt for the Requisition advances; but as the payments extended into 2 Quarters, it became neoessary to divide them off; and I sent your September and December Quarter receipts for your signature, with may be with you or in your office at Auckland. If time sufficient, though it is nearing twelve, I will make and enclose copies. I send Gray's article abstract. McDonnell can state if I paid for the coat. It is down in my expenditure; though I can recollect nothing whatever of the transaction. I paid Cooper for the mare, because he was leaving the Province; and as you made the purchase for Raniera, there was no reason for delaying the payment, under the circumstances. I thought it was clearly understood that the Nelson Province was to refund this, the £700 advanced for the natives. Unless this is done, I don't see how I am to pay the Company's 4th. of the £900, and the £100 for the absentee natives. But for the Nelson payment, the 4th. would have been held in deposit, when the £1000 was received. My letter must be out very short, as it is within a quarter of twelve. The steamer is looked for hourly. The Abrahams, Leech's, and I believe Miss Mc. Kellar, the Nash's, and several others, are going in her; Miss McKellar, they say, to try the Taupo springs for her spinal affection. The Freemasons' Hall is rapidly advancing to completion, and it is to be ready by the 27th, when the Masons are to open it by a dinner, after going to church to hear an oration from W. Bayley. On New Year's Day, R. Brown's Pic-nic and Ball are to come off on a scale of magnificence, hitherto without example in Taranaki. Already 270 invitations are out. The pic-nic is to come off at Crofton. At night, a dramatic representation at the new Hall, to be followed by a Fancy Dress Ball, The women are in a perfect frenzy; and are coming out in every conceivable eostume; Mrs. Wilson being Grand Promptress. Works of all kinds are dived into. Indeed, wherever one goes, the eye meets with nothing but illustrations, patterns, silks, satin, of all colours and kinds. I am, myself, slightly crazy on the subeject. I am divided between a London Sweep, and a dandy Negro. Much depends on old Homeyer, who is always at me whispering, as if murder was the subject between us. I'll write soberly next time, and if practicable in advance of the Post. Now, I cannot send you those three of the Requisitions. Sincerely yours (Signed) W. Halse. To:- Donald McLean.