New Plymouth May 7, 1857. My dear Sir, As soon as it was known that Ihaia proposed coming into Town about the Ikamoana, Mr. Whiteley wrote him a letter to dissuade him from coming but without effect. Upwards of 100 armed men came with him - they lighted at Kohuka - name of Tiraurau's place on the Devon road near the Henui - and deposited their arms there. I was a little disappointed that neither Turangi nor any other locality was associated with the Ikamoana, having been previously informed that such was intended and further that Mahau was coming to offer Waiongana. It may be that something is yet in store for us, as the Natives talk incessantly about their unproductive wastes. The Provincial Govt. vinces much anxiety about this matter as you will see from the Superintendent's address. I think the only way to acquire land here will be, by buying up all claims as natives are willing to sell them. To accomplish this, it would be necessary to have a sufficient sum of money available which might be occasionally shewn to the natives. The effect would be that many now opposed to selling land would give you Ihaia's tikanga and whenever any dispute occurred amongst the remaining pakeke's one side would come into Town and sell their claims. Up to the present time we have succeeded without offending either side and must rub on in the hope that when the finish comes again we may be better able to meet it. Two natives arrived on the 1st. inst. from Whanganui and reported that a brush had taken place there amongst the natives about a Mill, terminating for the time in 3 killed and some wounded. From the best means for collecting a Native Census the population between Mokau and Patea is under 2000, but owing to the dislike evinced by them to this kind of information the whole affair must necessarily be incomplete. The natives within our boundary possess 38 carts and 33 ploughs, a good number in proportion to the population. I understand that there were only 20 births last year in the Taranaki district and that 15 of the number died. Katatore was married yesty. to Rawinia, of Arapawa, the Rev. Mr. Lloyd officiated - there were 4 other couples married at the same time and place which made it very tedious. Katatore was dressed in European costume and paid much attention to the ceremony. He is unable to read without the aid of glasses - indeed another 2 years of anxious watching would have made an old man of him - perhaps killed him. The steamer has been expected all this week and last Monday's o.m. was despatched I believe without a letter. As the weather is declining I think it better to post without further delay. Faithfully yours, H. Halse. To:- McLean Esq.