New Plymouth January 4th, 1851 Sir, I beg to forward the Report for the fortnight ending this day:- Parade at ten o'clock. Police paid by the Sub-Treasurer, from the 26th, September to 31st. of December inclusive. I posted a packet to you by this day's Overland Mail to Wellington. A native boy named Hori Arama Karaka, accidentally received a compound fracture of the right thigh bone, by the overturning of Katatori's cart. He was carried to the Hospital. Johnson and Hakopa left for Waikakaio, to ascertain whether a native named Tewa had finished the work which he agreed to do for John Harford. He had not, whoch was the reason the money was withheld. John Wright found drunk, and locked up. The same fined 9/- and in default locked up for 24 hours. He was subsequently liberated on payment of the fine. The arms at Barracks examined. Parade at ten o'clock. Captain Murray, late 7th. Fusiliers, (passenger by the "Phoebe Dunbar") came to Barracks, and complained of having been assaulted and robbed by two Puketapu natives yesterday evening, while shooting wild duck near the Hua. The principal aggressor was Raniera, who approached Captain Murray, apparently in a friendly manner, and suddenly seized hold of his gun, which was charged, and on full cock. A scuffle ensued, and to avoid accident, Captain Murray placed one hand over the nipples, which gave his antagonist an advantage. The struggle, however, continued, when Raniera called Hori to his assistance; and by their united exertions, Captain Murray was thrown to the ground, and his gun taken from him. Another gentleman, Mr. Dixon, who happened to be separated from Captain Murray, was similarly treated, but being a stranger in the country, gave 10/- and recovered the gun. Captain Murray and Mr. Dixon reported last Tuesday's proceedings to the Resident Magistrata, who promised to forward the case to the Governor-in-Chief. Captain Murray's gun was brought to me this morning, by Hakopa, and returned to the owner. A dispute arose at the Kawau, amongst the natives themselves, caused by an attempt to drown a young native girl. After the usual noisy forms were gone through, the occasion appeared to be forgotten. Tohiroa, a Puketapu native Chief, came to the Barracks, and told me that the oppositionists to the occupation of Mangati, had given their consent in favour of Europeans. At 2.30 I was called upon to suppress a drunken riot amongst some discherged soldiers of the 65th. Regt. On arrival, with Hakopa, they had re-entered their lodgings. We remained near the house till 4 a.m. and finding all quiet, returned to Barracks. Minarapa told me he would pay his account with Mr. Duncan as soon as possible. Overland Mail from Wellington. Tohiroa came to Barracks and repeated his statement about Mangati. A Ball given at Mr. Sharland's, by the married men of New Plymouth. General muster and drill. Absent - Newsham. Private Johnson v. William Rundle; case - obstructing him when on duty last Wednesday night. Fined 1/- with costs; total 9/- I received a certificate from Dr. Wilson, recommending Johnson to be relieved from duty for a few days. A party of Puketapu natives, including Tohiroa, Te Tuki, Parata Tuatahi, Rawiri, Tamati Waka, and Hori Taumata, came into town without appointment, about Mangati, of the Bell Block. The Company's agent was present, by desire of some of the natives, but took no part. The preliminaries were gone through, then Te Tuki rose and said he now gave his consent to the sale; called on all present to witness his declaration, and concluded by leaving the question of payment to Europeans. A conversation here ensued between him and Parata, when the latter rose and said he wanted horses, cows, blankets, clothing, a cask of tobacco, and money, before the land would be given up. If not - let the subject for ever cease. Toheroa rose and said that he came here, by Mr. McLean's desire, to soften the oppositionists of his tribe. He had done so, and now heard what things were required by them. The productiveness of the Taranaki soil was notorious, whereas that of Wellington was not worth mentioning. He quite agreed with the demand made by Parata. (The tenor of his speech throughout was decidedly in favour of his people.) I reported the result of the Meeting to Captain King, who refused to enter into the question with them, and the meeting broke up. A Whanganui native, named Huripo, came to Barracks with Tamati Waka and others, and dictated a letter to you. The "Shepherdess" from Wellington, 7 days; passengers - Mr. Ibbotson, Mr. Ryan, and William Betts. Cargo - general. The same sailed for Kawhia. Sunday Parade. Te Ngahuru brought three natives into town, viz:- Ko Pene, Ko Tipene, and Rawiri, for petty theft committed by them, on some of the Omata settlers. He desired to have Rawiri locked up, because he was a well-known thief, but as the European declined to prefer any charge against him, he was dismissed. Force in town. Met at Barracks, and afterwards went on duty, with the exception of Johnson, who is still absent. The Members of the Friendly Society dined at the "Seven Stars" public house. Hakopa went to Omata with a note for Newsham, to enquire into a complaint of cattle trespass in his district, brought forward by the Ngahuru. William Fletcher and Henry Love, a discharged soldier of the 65th. Regt. taken into custody, and locked up for drunkeness and disorderly conduct. 8 p.m. I found Medland in liquor, and unfit for duty. W. Fletcher and H. Love fined 5/- each, with costs. Overland Mail from Auckland. The "Sir Edward Paget" had arrived, and was coming on here. In consequence of Medland absenting himself from duty, and disregarding his orders, I sent a notice in writing, copy of which is enclosed. General muster. Newsham told me he had enquired into Te Ngahuru's complaint, and could not find any potatoes to damage. The case was withdrawn by Te Ngahuru. H. Barable complained of having been interrupted last night, by a native named Ihaka, when driving his cart to Captain Campbell's. The native came into the road, and attempted to turn the bullocks back, by striking them with a stick, and would have succeeded had not Barable interfered, and prevented further opposition. I saw Ihaka on the subject. He failed to palliate his conduct, and said he was soory for what he had done. Captain King desired me to send Medland to Wellington, by the first opportunity that may offer. The "John Whiteley" from Kawhia, 2 days; passengers - Mr. and Mrs. Woon; cargo - wheat and pigs. The same sailed for Manukau; passengers - Captain Murray, Mr. Shoutridge, and Mr. Shave. The "Sarah Berry" Northank, from Manukau, 2 days; passengers - Dr. Rees and son, P. Woon, and Mr. Norman. The same sailed for Whanganui; passengers - Dr. Rees and son. The Police duties continue to be attended to and all here is quiet. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant (Signed) H. Halse Sergt. To:- D. McLean Esq. J.P. Inspector of Police.