Taranaki Decr. 29, 1854 My dear Sir, I have this moment caught sight of the steamer 'Nelson' and think it advisable to drop you a line by her in the hope of catching you somewhere. In the first place I have to thank you for your letter of the 16th instant and shall be happy to assist His Honor the Superintendent in carrying out the proposed arrangmt. effecting the Kawau pa. 2ndly. I am glad to say that the Ngatiruanuis left the Kaipakopako on the 25th instant, on their return by the road they came, leaving several of their wounded at Katatore's pa-This may be considered a feather in the caps of our friendly natives and will tend to deter distant tribes from persuing a similar line of conduct. Further advantage may yet azcrue to us because Ihaia is now an acknowledged 'toa' and likely to gain over many of the opposition party of which W.King formed the head - as it is I am positively informed that W.King's party is already divided by some of them having moved off to Onairo, Urenui and Arimi from motives of fear of Ihaia's party - A very strong feeling is manifested against W.King by Ihaia and his party for having asthey say induced the Ngatiruanui's to come here; and Ihaia makes no secret of his intention to attack W.King at an early oppty - I understand that Arama Karaka and the rest of the Wellington Natives have been stopped at Whanganui by the natives there - however if they should pass, our natives seem to be of opinion that, notwithstanding any promise they may have made to you, an attack upon Katatore will take place. The Taranaki natives who had assembled at Werea have been induced to return to their several places, and I am glad to again hear testimony to the unwearied exertions of Te-Ngahuru in inducing both the Taranaki and Ngatiruanui natives to leave and disperse thereby preventing probable slaughter that might at any moment have dragged us into the mud when we are least able to extricate ourselves - Our natives intend to write to the Governor upon the state of affairs in this Province - Faithfully yours H.Halse P. S. Auckland, mail just arrived- the mail man reports that W.King's people were on the point of fighting amongst themselves owing to the death by drowning of a little girl, who it is alleged might have been saved by spectators had they exerted themselves. H.H.