New Plymouth 24th October 1859 My Dear Mac, This is forwarded in the hope of its meeting you at Wanganui, where I hope you will be as successful in your mission as you seem to have been at Ahuriri. Report gains here, but I pledge no authority, that you are very likely to be successful here in purchasing, but it is said W. Kingi vows he will only deal with yourself. As to Ihaia and his gang, they are bent on disposal. I have had him now for weeks past under my care in hospital. He came in, in a very wretched low state of health, but is now himself again and so fond of the hospital that I cant get him out again. I have also Sam Pukutap (Ahoaho) under treatment. Both merit high eulogium for good conduct. Henry Halse left us last week, with his family for Auckland. Who is to fill his place? and are you the nominator? If so, think of poor Welly Carrington, who, general opinion thinks, is the best qualified here to fill the office, and in this I quite concur. He is now a very correct going fellow but I believe entirely dependant on his two brothers for maintenance. His brother Fred is solicited I understand to push for the Superintendency. Be it so for poor Cutfield is no better than a King Log for our cocknies to jump on when and how they please, yet flatter the poor body just enough to make him believe he rules the roast. The old captain, I am told, is out of all patience with his subserviency to Watt's clique. I hardly think he would get a vote where he again to stand, and assuredly he shd. not have mine. The son of an old and highly respected, and respectable friend at home has come out here consigned to me, in hopes that I may be able to get him into some employment. He is, I should say, being a capital pensman and accountant, with the will to be useful in all ways, a very deserving young gentleman, and an exceedingly well bred, well educated lad. If you can do anything for him you will confer on me a very great favour and I am sure he will do credit to any recommendation. We are going to have lots of fruit this year. Your mother unites in kind regards and believe me ever very faithfully yours P. Wilson I write this in great haste, for we are in momentary expectation of the steamer for the mail.