Hakopa paid me in full for money advanced by you, and I hold Gilmour's signature for the amounts you desired me to pay him. The slab will be obtained as soon as possible; but I can give you no idea of the cost. As to the potatoes for Mokau, I expect the season will pass over before an opportunity is likely to offer. However, one may offer, and I will not neglect it. I notice in the "Southern Cross" of 26th. August:- "The arrival of the barque "Lord William Bentnick" makes a most desirable acquisition, in the event of the rise of a 2nd. Heke. I hear 4 companies of soldiers are stationed at the Bay of Islands; and that half are to be withdrawn preparatory to the removal of the whole of them, to make way for Pensioners. Heke's death, will, perhaps, render the presence of Military altogether unnecessary. Hence the rumour." (Signed) H. Halse. To:- D. McLean Esq.