Taranaki November 24, 1855 My dear Sir, Our natives are busily engaged in agricultural pursuits and appear unwilling to return to powder burning. Mahan paid me another visit last Tuesday and I was glad to observe an inclination on his part to agree to Karipa's proposal - the only fear is, lest by so doing other natives should offer Waiangana and Waitara to the Government on the strong ground that the "tapu" having been broken it shall be smashed altogether. I reminded Mahan of your former suggestion to leave all the land between Mangaraka and Waingana for the natives. He approved of that but still feared giving his assent to Karipa's proposal for the reason already stated. I am disposed to think that native dignity stands greatly in the way of the present question because it is generally admitted that they never can use the land and that they are fast disappearing while we on the other hand are rapidly increasing. I venture to say that little will be done until His Excellency returns here and if you should think proper to make use of Mahan I am of opinion that this long business may be brought to a satisfactory conclusion for both races. Nothing new from Ngatiruanui and I have no reason to alter the opinion expressed in my last note. The Barracks will be covered in all next week and it is supposed will be occupied by about Xmas faithfully yours, H. Halse.