. New Plymouth 27th. May 1850 Sir, In obedience to your instructions, I beg to enclose the New Plymouth returns for the year 1849; with a few remarks sketched out, and which I have made, and which you were kind enough to suggest I might have the honour of making. I trust they will not be deemed intrusive, and if acceptable, it will be esteemed a favour, hoping that the errors contained in them will be favourably looked over. The settlement continues at present in a tranquil state. There is not much news stirring; the latest are the talked of marriage between Mr. Newman and Miss Honeyfield, thich is to take place to-morrow week, at Mr. Gudgeon's house. Mr. Leech is about to leave Mount Eliot, and returns to his house near the Church. On Saturday night, the 11th, instant, while on Town duty with Heale, between 7 and 8 o'clock, I observed a person jump in the Hautoki river, near Mr. Crocker's. Heale left for a light, when I went in aftter the person, and took him out. It proved to be "Pridie". My impression at the time was that the person intended to commit self-destruction; and having made enquiries since, I find from Mr. Prout, that my impression was unjustified. However, he is the Waiter and man of all work at Mr. Davey's, the Ship Hotel; and I think the cold bath has done him some good. The Compensation Scrips and selections of land commence to-morrow, and are allowed open for a fortnight. Alight appearances of the influenza are beginning to be observed. You will please to excuse this scrawl, as I am engaged with Captain King, in the room of Mr. Standish, who is ill, for the last 6 days; besides attending to my Police duties, and Mr. Leech is waiting to close the mail. Trusting also that you will excuse my errors, under whatever shape they may appear. I remain, Sir, Your very obedient and humble servant (Signed) M. Medland.