Taranaki 22nd. July 1850. Dear Sir, There is little to communicate this fortnight. The departure of the English ship has thrown us into the usual state of quiet, and many of the new arrivals are at a loss to know what to be about. The town Pah natives, so eager to take the case of assault into Court, when the time arrived, would not appear, and Hoera was again received into favour. In Duncan v. Minarapa, would it not, under present circumstances, have been better to refuse the Summons? and is it likely he will attend on Thursday week? We shall see. Part of the cutting of the 15th. should have appeared in the 26th., as marked, and but for the scarcity of foolscap, I would re-copy it. The old Barracks has been sold to Mr. Richardson, for £165, and is at present occupied by Mr. Greenwood, his family, and niece, (Miss Gates). There is reason to believe she will soon adopt the name of percival, when I hope to accomodate them in the only house suitable for such occasions. The new arrivals are from Adelaide, and have taken Mr. Grout's house. By some means, Captain King has heard that the opposition offered to the occupation of the Bell Block by Europeans, is likely to be shortly removed. I hope it may be so, but at present I have not been able to trace the correctness of the rumour. Parata is frequently in town, and occasionally throws out a hint, or rather a searcher, in reference to land. He is a smart fellow, and one need be on his guard with him. E Waka returned in the "Shepherdess". He says we are to have land at the back of Smart's, at the Waiwakaiho, on your return here. If what he advances be true, for the future good name of this settlement, I hope you may be here quickly, that we may have it in our power to say to the arrivals, - "There will be land for you shortly." The alterations at the Hospital are nearly completed, and very much improve the building as well. The Architect has been appointed Coroner. Mrs. Wilson has not been very well. I am glad to be able to contradict what I said about Mr. Cock. He was hurt quite enough, but not as bad as represented. Charles Brown is about to open a retail store, and employs Mr. Badkin, a sensible and businesslike man for that purpose. Brown also talk of putting up his saw Mill. (It is said by Standish, that our R.M. is positively about to resign very shortly. An old tale too often told to be relied on. Standish also volunteered an opinion that you would receive the appointment.) (Mr. William King, and young Hunter, arrived here on Saturday evening last.) It is past 10 o'clock, and Captain King is not in. I have not heard any news. Yours sincerely (Signed) H. Halse. Just received the enclosures. To:- D. McLean Esq.