Letter from W. Halse to Donald McLean dated 23rd. March Thursday night, 23rd. March 1854. My dear McLean, I reached town yesterday afternoon at two; after again having ventured across the mud flats at Ourenui on horseback, without accident. It was not a matter of choice, as there was no native at the settlement to cross us in the canoe. However, I took the precaution of following the three natives who accompanied me hrom Waiiti. On this side of Ourenui I met Campbell, and told him he would find you at Mokau, He had a native with him. I found on arriving at Warepu, a meeting of Waiongona natives, --- for, and against selling their land. To-day the favourable ones have been with Cooper, who handed them a £100 bag in token of his acceptance of their offer. This gave great satisfaction, and was done with the full concurrence of the Native Assessors; who have certainly earned the pay they receive from the Government, in speeches alone. Rawiri and Tuhara have talked themselves hoarse. Besides them, were present, Poharama, Hone Ropiha, and my esteemed friend, Waka. I believe, but am not sure, that £1000 is to be the purchase money. The £100 bag is deposited with Cooper until the natives shall have talked over the purchase on the ground. Cooper, however, has engaged Piriha, to start early to-morrow for your camp, and will write you all particulars. There is nothing new here, and the weather is so bad (strong South East wind) that I have been nowhere except to the Masonic Meeting last night; when Beecham was admitted. The dust is almost unendurable, and has affected one of my eyes, which makes writing disagreeable; indeed, for relief, I am off to bed somewhere about nine. Cooper is to come here to write you, so I shall leave this for him to put in his letter. I send you a Wednesday's paper. Yours sincerely (Signed) W. Halse. P. S. We drank the bottle of beer you buried North of Waitara. To:- Donald McLean.