Note: For His Excellency's perusal. Don. McLean, 16 March, 61. Waiuku, 15 March, /61. My dear Sir, An oppty. offering I write to say that Tamati Ngaporo and Ahipene returned from Ngaruawahia this morning, and with Mr. Searancke and myself, went direct to Marairohia. The chiefs Ihaka and Waka, of Ngatimuru, with about 30 followers including women, are still there. Katipa is sinking fast. He recognised Mr. Searancke and myself, extended his hand, and tried to speak, an effort resulting in a murmur neither of us could understand - hard breathing succeeded, and all again was silent. We made way for visitors who went through the usual native ceremony and without meaning it, curtailed his few remaining hours. As if this abominable custom were not sufficient to hasten his death, the body of Heta Wherowhero, a relative of the late Potatau, who died at Mangere on the 9th inst., was brought here in a canoe during the night of the 13th inst. for interment, and placed within a few feet of the sick man's tent, where we left it this day at noon exposed to the heat of the sun. Coffins are not always well secured with pitch, and in this instance the odour was ample to poison the atmosphere, but strange to say the natives did not appear to take any notice of it. Te Heuheu, with 200 followers unarmed, reached Ngaruawahia after Ngapara left. Wi Kumeti has gone back to Kawhia, but it is not certain whether he will go on to Taranaki. A small party of Waipa natives arrived here this morning with wheat for which they received £20. They say nearly all the inland natives will go to the seat of war when their wheat is thrashed and sold. An angry discussion took place yesterday amongst the Ngatiteata's in consequence of Ropata's open declaration to go to Taranaki. Hone Mangaia is the cause of this hostile movement, and is supported by Ihaia and Raniera - their guns have been seized by Hori Tamoa, but that will not keep them back. Tikapu is said to have influenced these men, and should they join the war, I fear the whole of this tribe will eventually be dragged into it. I have not yet had an opportunity for learning the result of Ngapara's visit to Ngaruawahia, but I know the natives wish the Governor to ask for peace, in other words to admit himself beaten, and then submit to their dictation. Faithfully yours, H. Halse.