New Plymouth, 1 September 1851. Dear Sir, The fortnighy events being next to nil is best proof of the quietude of this district and up to this hour, nearly post time, I have nothing to add in continuation. The case of . King v. B. Wicksteed unless previously arranged by arbitration in to be defended and will be heard next Thursday, when a full Court is expected - it is quite as well that you are out of the way of this unpleasant affair which is certain to produce ll feeling on the side cast, and since exposure is the primary object in view, the judges at least will have a thankless duty to perform. In reference to Newsham refusing to go to Whanganui with a despatch for the Governor-in-chief it is necessary to explain to you the circumstances which led Captain King to approve of his going. 1st. Hakopa was sick. 2nd. Johnson had hardly recovered from a severe cold and is a sickly man. 3rd. Having regard to equality of duty Heale did not appear a proper man. 4th. The Colonial Surgeon not only considers Medland unfit to travel but "unfit henceforth for night and for wet day duty." Passing over Taumata and Tamati Waka, the above circumstances together with the knowledge of the trifling duties performed by the individual in question since the formation of the force and more particularly since he has been stationed at Omata, marked him as the most proper person for the required service which he declined to perform unless immediately put on full pay. Wiremu Irangi as was expected would not longer be put off and last week commenced work on his Reserve; really I feel very much obliged to him for refraining so long and cannot conceive what right an Agent can have to get in a high state of dudgeon about the matter - if I were to reverse the case with the would be lord and master of mankind I would challenge confutation but really it is not worthwhile. - those "Dear Papa" effusions which have lately appeared in the Southern X might, by the same rule be cut in pieces and render the writer absolutely furious. It would be a pity to hasten the demise of so dutiful a son and there fore we will leave him. This reminds me of other outstanding question viz. S.E. FitzRoy boundary affecting Smart's farm and Waireka affecting Major Lloyd's estate - if you can push a point pray come up if only for a fortnight and square off old scores - after that unless driven in a corner I promise to bother you no more and will manage as best I can in all things. Have you heard that all the principal natives between, Tataraimaka and Whanganui have signed a document stating their determination to hold that extent of country for themselves and their children for ever? Young Waru who is here tells me his father has seen the document - this resolve may be made favourable to the purchase of that fine district between Omata and Tataraimaka which is all we now require, when that is properly peopled it is very probable the "document" will be the only existing protest to the occupation of lands South of Tatara. Yours faithfully, H. Halse.