New Plymouth Jan. 27, 55 My dear Sir, On Thursday morng. last, Katatore and his party got licked in a skirmish with Raniera and others and narrowly escaped being cut off altogether. Katatore's natives have approached the pa at the Half way house several times lately, chiefly during the night, and to put an end to these annoyances, Raniera and other natives left their pa early on Thursday morng. and concealed themselves as near to the Kaipakopako as the nature of the country admitted. They had not been long in position before Katatore and his men appeared and made for their pa --- Raniera suffered them to pass and then opened a fire upon them --- but the attempt to cut them off failed and the firing ceased --- Mahau and Ihaia te Kirikumara came on the ground with their men but not in time to cut off Katatore's retreat. From all accounts the firing was heavy and had it been well directed the opposition party must have been swept away as it is their stock of ammunition must be greatly reduced. I went to the Half way house yestdy. with Rogan and found a strong muster of friendly natives there --- many appeared in high spirits and anxious for another brush with Katatore --- the pa is strongly fortified and could only be taken with the assistance of 12 pounders --- Raniera distinguished himself throughout notwithstanding a gun shot wound through the thigh received at the onset --- He is likely to exercise more authority and I hope he will live to see a satisfactory termination of the present disturbances. He declined going to Hospital. Raniera Te Retiu Mohi Hri badly Pene Iraia Topia, the man that destroyed poor Rawiri's wheat Kerehoma Defensive preparations are being carried on with great activity indicating some approaching event better known to the natives than to ourselves. The Raeiomiti is being fortified and when finished will present a formidable appearance --- The Kawau is the next to be fortified so farewell for the present to the contemplated roads --- Ihaia is putting up another pa at the Mamaku on the inland side of his house --- the first pa having been abandoned. A large pa has been erected at Huirangi capable of containing several hundred men --- The Werohia and the Kuhikuhi I should imagine must be now completed --- then again Upakotanaki has been fortified with unusual care, and lastly Moturoa under the direction of Poharama, which will be as strong as any in the District as against natives. Faithfully yours, H. Halse