Wellington 3 February 1871 My dear Sir, You will receive by the outgoing mail several application for the vacancy occasioned by the death of the late Mr. Brale, Junior clerk in the Native Office. Mr. Fred Moore has not sent in a written application, he has seen Hon. Mr. Sewell, and has met with a favourable reception - just what might have been expected when a young gentleman with polished manners, and a good education offers his services to the Govt, I think highly of Mr. Moore, and would like to see gentlemen of his stamp in the Native Office, but the aid most needed is in the Native branch, and I have mentioned to Hon. Mr. Sewell, and to young Moore. If you do not think of Garland Wm., I would suggest Mr. Freeth, of Wairarapa, as an eligible person for the vacancy. Mr. Bradford is very useful in getting up the accounts, and I can only account for the Assistant Treasurer in agreeing to part with him, on the ground of promotion. I wish I could keep him, but as that is out of the question I hope you will soon send Mr. Vickers back. Native matters very quiet here, and if I am correctly informed by old Tamaihengia, Hemi Purui and others, the same quiet will some extent to Waikato - Cobbs coach to New Plymouth is a decided success and will I venture to say do more to settle matters in the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui districts than the flying column of Imperial Troups did under Gen. Chute. I hear the telegraph poles are to be taken almost immediately to Opunake and New Plymouth. Parris is to pave the way for the erection of the poles and should be allowed time to do it. We ought not to be in a hurry with the natives. The Coach must have been a sour pill to some of the ignorant creatures seeing that a good deal of road-making was necessary before it could pass through. I believe Parris returned to New Plymouth this morning. I should have said left for N. P. this morning to meet some natives from the North. He will come back to Whanganui to settle the election question. Three candidates were proposed and seconded Mete Kingi, Major Kepa, and Wi Parata, some natives think that Wi Parata will be returned others again think that Kepa will be the man. Great excitement has prevailed here of late - violent speeches and stinging remarks have been freely exchanged - the show of hands was, I am told in favour of Richard and Travers but both sides are sanguine of success. I hear that the former leaves for the South tommorrow. I have not seen H. Excellency. My brothers wife is here, and enjoying the change beyond my expectations. As I cannot get away from the office, I have obtained two days leave for my son, and his Aunt is much pleased. My brother gave Mr. Fox a lunch at Waitara, and you will be glad to hear that old W. King's (pukunui) sister, and his brother Enoka put in an appearance on the occasion. This looks well, and I hope Pukunui will soon follow. Wishing you every success in your difficult task with the Natives. I remain, Faithfully yours, H. Halse.