New Plymouth July 21st. 1851. Dear McLean, According to your request, I have this day forwarded to Messrs. Bethune and Hunter, the sum of £155 in cheque; which leaves a balance due to you of £3. I enclose an account current, shewing the particulars, and hope you will find it correct. I shall send Cutfield a copy of the cheque I have forwarded, in case any accident should befall them on their journey. We have been looking out for your appearance at New Plymouth; but conclude, from the delay, that your services are deemed of more importance in another quarter. I suppose you are aware that old Etuka, from Puketapu, accompanied by upwards of three hundred natives, left here on Tuesday last for Waikanai, alleging their object to be to assist you in the purchase of the land in that district; by which I suppose we are to understand that their intentions are to enforce their claims to a portion of the "utu" that may be paid for land. The worst portion will, no doubt fall to our lot, as the natives that have been there, will return to this neighbourhood, and add to those who are already sufficient to overwhelm us. Couldn't you contrive to persuade the Governor to raise a regiment of them, and draft them where they would be made useful, anywhere, so that we could get rid of them; for they are a regular pest to he intermixed with Europeans. Mr. Ewaka has not been behaving as he should do; as he sometimes upsets the good that Mr. Halse might effect; under the plea that you know all about his transactions. I wish it was in my power to punish a few of them. I would not find it difficult to make a selection. You are, of course, acquainted with the destruction of Government House. The cause was investigated by Dr. Wilson and Mr. Halse, who attributed it to the carelessness of your old servant Stewart; and to my surprise, I now hear that he was in the habit of drinking to excess when your housekeeper. I was obliged to suspend him, and appoint Johnson in his stead. Mrs. King and Willy desire to be kindly remembered, and believe me, Yours truly (Signed) Henry King. To:- D. McLean Esq. Wellington