New Plymouth 23 January 1859. My dear Sir, I write to thank for your note of the 14th. inst., and to say that I have nothing official to forward by this opportunity. The meeting called by Hone Ropiha in October to ascertain the ideas of natives about Nga ture, was followed up by Raniera and Taharia, Assessors, at the latter end of last month, but some of the natives having come drunk, the meeting was to a certain extent a failure. The recent movement on the part of some Taranaki natives to sell the land between the Omata and Tataraimaka Blocks is important as giving hope of land in a new quarter, and if the leading Chiefs mean what they say, there can be little doubt of the issue. Te Ngahuru and Ropata (Bob) headed the opposition, the former with calmness and ability the latter just the other way - all excitement. I cannot understand Te Ngahuru in this matter, because when alone he professes to be in favour, but before his people comes out an unqualified opponent to the sale of the land from Okurukuru to the Oakura river. This is the land I have frequently spoken to him about, and he has assumed me of his efforts to soften the opposition, but that Parenga Kingi was too much for him, now, had there been a shadow of truth in his statements he would have been glad to join the present movement if only for the sake of being considered the originator of it. If P. Kingi, Paratene and Aperahama mean what they say, our friends would appear to have thrown off the mask and taken the position of our old opponents. Ngahuru is clever and may be doubling to regain popularity amongst the Natives and then lead them where he pleases. There was one circumstance at the meeting which should be mentioned, the refusal of the natives offering the land to accept the usual present of bread and tobacco. Perhaps they did not wish to be supposed to come in for that purpose - if so, it is well, but some other motive may have influenced them - fear of Ngatiruanui for instance. Poharama collected a large meeting at Motutoa on Friday last, consisting of Mahoetahi, Ninia, Hua and Waiwakaiho natives - yesterday a party of Poutako natives headed by Te Ngahuru arrived and they are not expected to separate until tomorrow. The object is the same as Hone's in October, and I am glad to say that several natives have remonstrated agst the introduction of spirits with success. Waka, and nearly all the Kawau natives accompanied by Manahi and a few of his people left for Ngatiruanui last week on a visit. The main object is to settle the boundary line between the Puketapu and the Ngatiruanui natives - some being of opinion that the Wakangerengere is in the district of the latter. I wish Waka every success and shall be glad to see him back again. On the 9th. inst. the schooner ''Esther'' arrived at Waitara, from the Chatham Islands, with 21 natives, including women and children, they belong to Waitara and Urenui and are therefore connected with W. Kingi and Nikorima - they are now visiting about and will remain - they say, others will follow them so soon as the Esther returns to the Chathams. Faithfully yours H. Halse P.S, My wife was confined on the 8th. inst. with a boy this is 5, 3 sons and two daughters. H. Halse.