they continue in quiet pursuit of their agricultural operations, to which their attention seems to be wholly directed. They are getting two water mills erected, besides several small still ones that I have provided for them; and I have every expectation that next year they will export a considerable quantity of grain. Many of their young men are greatly pleased with the new Police force, and would willingly join it; and nothing would tend more to their own improvement, as well as to the efficiency of such a force, as might ensure the co-operation of their tribes in carrying out the ends of justice. For some months the rains have been incessant, though the settlers have managed pretty well to get their wheat sown. The advance in price has been the means of putting in more than was intended; and they have every prospect of being rewarded for their perseverance and industry. ..... . Taranaki, New Plymouth. 13th. August 1846. Dear Sir, I had intended to have reported to you the arrival of the Waikatos at this settlement, when the Carbon last sailed for Wellington; but lost the opportunity from being engaged with them at the time. There were upwards of 1000 natives collected round the settlement, from different places; 400 of whom were from the Waikato. Amongst the latter I recognised some of Heu Heu's and Taonui's troublesome followers; who you so successfully checked in their pilfering at Wanganui; of which I am glad to say there has been no repetition worth mentioning, at this place; all of them having, a week since, returned to their homes. In coming to this settlement the Waikatos had a difficulty in passing Mokau, occasioned by the ''Tapu'', which Taonui had placed on the road; and who, backed by 600 of his followers, insisted that a payment should first be made before he would allow them to pass. This was refused by the Waikato Chief, who, with his tribe, swam across the river, and pursued their journey. The tribes along the coast towards Waitotara are busily engaged with their wheat sowing; which has been greatly retarded both amongst them and the settlers, by the almost incessant rains in the earlier part of the season. They have, however, all of them, managed to put in a much larger quantity than they intended, from the advance in price; which has very much raised the spirits of the settlers. The news of Rauparaha's capture soon found its way amongst the natives here; who appeared pleased, and expressed their wish that Rangihaeata might be taken also. I remain. Dear Sir, Yours very respectfully, (Signed) Don. McLean. To:- Major Richmond. etc. etc. etc. Wellington.