if fern land cannot be obtained. No doubt land is in great demand; and the "Mariner" and June ship is daily expected, with a host of people for this place. Then again, werhear there is an August vessel for this and other settlements, with emigrants, and what we are to do with them in our present cramped position for land, I really do not know. I hear an occasional outcry about your lengthened absence; and should not be surprised to see an Article in one or two of the Colonial papers. William Black and Candish returned the other day in the "Sarah Baring". Both of them have been to California. Black gives a deplorable account of the place in every respect, except so far as money is concerned; of which article there is abundance. No less than 600 vessels are lying there without a living soul on board. Searanake worked his passage back to Auckland. At least, so says Candish. I hear we are likely to lose Sir George. If so, this country will suffer a great loss. His extensive knowledge and experience of the country and its aboriginal inhabitants, is now about to make an impression at a time of the greatest importance to the future advancement of these interesting islands; and we are likely to lose him, to make room, perhaps, for some hot-headed person, who will plunge into difficulties that will take years to overcome. In place of Sir George's removal, how much simpler it would be to give him an increase in salary. I shall hope for the best, and shall be glad to hear that there is no intention to remove him. The "Sarah Bing" goes to Mokau on her return from Manukao, which, will present the first opportunity for sending potatoes to Mr. Snachenberg. Your letter to E Waka must be vigorously followed up, and I intend to do my utmost. He keeps out of the way; calls upon Honi Ropiha to discontinue his visits to him on the subject, and tells me that he intends to follow the example of William King. I hope E Waka is not upheld by any European in his foolish course. Honi Ropiha will go to him on Monday, and return to me; after which your instructions will be carried out, according to the state of the case. Notwithstanding Paratene's promise, and other natives whom I saw on the subject of the boundary at Puketotara, to fence as directed, Matthews tells me they have over-reached about a quarter of an acre on his land. The natives would only acknowledge W. Carrington, and he, unluckily, could not go out. The Company's Agent sent Mr. Harris out, and would not incur further expense. The natives, instead of carrying the fence as directed, have taken it at an angle, as per drawing enclosed; thereby acknowledging one boundary, but not the other; a conviction only to be set aside by W. Carrington going out. To add, as it were, to the conviction on the part of the natives, Edwin Davy measured the land first, then Honi, and both differed in the measurement. The natives say they have fenced according to W. Carrington's former survey, and are prepared to abide by Mm. Therefore I only have Matthews' word that an encroachment has taken place. Considering how very touchy natives are about land, it would be satisfactory if W. Carrington were employed to ascertain whether they are right, or whether they are wrong; because the triangular fence alleged to have been taken in, cannot possibly be of the least importance to the natives occupying the Reserve. I cannot do anything more in the matter, unless measured by the surveyor, and acknowledged by the natives. Smart is not pleased at the idea of a probable opposition to his cultivating the land immediately outside the Fitz Roy boundary, but he entirely forgets that his folly brought on the question. True he was the purchaser of the land, but it was given back to the natives by Governor Fitz Roy in common with other lands purchased from the New Zealand Company by resident settlers, who suffered quite as much as Mr. Smart. But they have been obliged to make the best of it, and I imagine Mr. Smart must do the same. Very sincerely yours (Signed) H. Halse. To:- D. McLean Esq.