Huatoki April 28th. 1851. Dear Sir, No news of the future management of this settlement is so common a complaint, that I can only suppose we are the victims of the combined machinations of all the evil genii, postmen, and captains in existence; and that regular despatches, advancing; the public weal, are intercepted and turned into pipe-lights by the said postmen and captains; or consigned to boiling cauldrons by the said genii. None appear to see their way clearly; and stagnation, with few exceptione, reigns supreme. The paucity of passengers by the last 3 or 4 English vessele, causes observers to manifest a little uneasiness at things in general, and Land in particular, the worst cry of all. It has reached England, and now reverberates on our luckless shores. "Get land," says Cook, in a recent letter to my brother," and plenty of good settlers will join you." I should much like a jolly answer to that letter, for the sake of the place where I have passed my last 10 years. I faney there is something in Waka's letter, but I am not sanguine on a question that has so often thrown me, and which I imagine must shortly terminate in good or evil. The paragraph in reference to soldiers was an after-thought. Otherwise it might have been regarded as a negative to the preceding one. Nopera and others appear bent on driving Mr. Cutfleld from Totara; and will likely succeed. He is appointed our M.P., and will shortly be in Wellington, to be present at the General Council. Charles Brown is to be married by the R.M. next Thursday, a merry day in England. All happiness to them. I forgot to mention Turton's nuptials in my last. Somewhat pardonable when I tell you, what you doubtless know, that "little Pedlington" was completely sold. Hence the growls that have since taken place amongst his worst followers, on the absurd ground, that the occasion followed the one we all deplored, too quickly. I believe all your friends are well, and know they will be delighted to see you. Hoping you are well, I remain Dear Sir, faithfully yours (Signed) H. Halse. To:- D. McLean.