New Plymouth April 12th. 1852. Dear Sir, I forwarded by Joyce, who left this on 7th. instant for Wellington, all your things that were in my charge and hope they have been received in good order - if however he did not get on, the following night (Thursday) there has been no chance since, for it came on to blow from S.E. on the 9th. (Friday morng.) and has not yet ceased. You must know that the Agent for the "Lucy James" refused to allow the things to go off, so I wrote to you, promising to send them by first opportunity in the mean time I got hold of Joyce and mentioned the state of the case - he at once overruled the objection and rejected a portion of the additional cargo to make room for you - in consequence of landing a portion of the Kawhia cargo, he was enabled to do so, and yet if Watt could have had his way, your things would have been here still. Will you let me know whether your Archbold, Vol.2 of which has been forwarded, is and what , because Dr. Wilson had Vol.1, a long time ago and I have forgotten whether it was bound - my impression is that it was. Thanks for your note appended to Abstracts for Rent of Barracks thinking it more than probable they had been mislaid I sent another set which you returned about a mouth since and they were paid. Cap. King has written to Auckland about Manahi's bull and it is to be hoped a favourable answer will be returned we want a "detective" here for a short time to put a stop to this savage practise and other irregularities for the prevention of which well known constables are useless. The Reward offered was of course rendered in Maori for the information of Natives and as was expected had a good effect. I must again apologise for sending so short a letter and even had I more time, the news of the place would not fill 1/2 sheet of note paper. This is the day for the payment of £50 to Rawiri for his horse and will be remembered by the natives even after - the money is given reluctantly but the alternative is dreaded from which the real character of that troublesome tribe may I think be clearly perceived. Cap. King is daily expecting his successor and seems annoyed at the delay, now nearly three months, and up to the present time nothing definite known. I should think it likely yours will come at the same time and am therefore prepared to surrender all things when called upon to do so. At present my future proceedings are not exactly known to myself, in the mean time you may always rely upon one thing, which is this: I shall ever remember your kindness to me on all occasions since the formation of the Police in the year /46. Always faithfully yours, H. Halse.