New Plymouth 8th. December 1856. My dear McLean, The "Zingari" came in yesterday with the most welcome intelligence, of the Government having consented to the dissolution of the Council, on the petition of the Members. I fancy the decision was scarcely expected by the Superintended, who attached much, in this instance, to his weight as Superintendent. Had it been otherwise, a new Council was inevitable, composed of such men as could be got; as the present men virtually ceased to be members when they signed the petition. Cutfield, I find, is not so much approved as I was led to believe. They sum him up in this brief judgment, --- "All he has ever done is to make money --- and keep it." His friends are, however, sanguine; than which there can be no more fatal mistake. I hope he will come in, and think so, without feeling certain. There is no news, I believe. You have heard I presume, that the "Herald" is under the management of a Committee, consisting, 'tis said, chiefly or wholly