therefore obliged to the Rev. Mr. Turton for allowing him a part of his Station to carry on his whaling operations for this season. We are expecting a large body of natives from the South; the anticipation of which prevents our resident natives from coming as readily to terms, with their land, as they otherwise would do. We shall soon, however, be comparatively independent of them in this respect, for a time, at least. The worst feature in our settlement at present is that many of our best mechanics and labourers are leaving for Auckland and Wellington, in search of higher wages; which will be felt as a great deprivation to the settlement; as it loses many of those whose industry added considerably to our agricultural prosperity; by the wheat and other articles raised and exported by them; that are so necessary for the maintenance and support of an infant Colony; and it is questionable whether their removal will improve their own circumstances; as it too often happens they turn their attention to other speculative modes of earning a livelihood, that in many instances do not turn out so much to their advantage. I hope His Excellency will think of replacing them by sending us some of the pensioners that are expected to the Colony; as this would be a favourable district for their location. Our roads and bridges are in a great state of dilapidation. One of the principal bridges has been destroyed with the late floods; and through the assistance of the Police, I have been enabled to secure some of the iron-work. The wood is totally decayed; and is being used for fire-wood. I trust His Excellency will think of granting us something during the next Session of Council, for the repairs of our bridges. The Government Brig has called here from Wanganui, and land £500. There was nothing doing there. Major Mc-Lerty daily expected a brush with the natives. I would add a deal more; but the native is in a hurry to be off; and believe me to remain, my Dear Sir, yours faithfully, (Signed) Donald McLean.