New Plymouth Jan.29th, 1855 My dear Sir, I wrote to you by last Saturday's post and now forward a kind of duplicate by the "Nelson" which leaves this morning for the South, having arrived here yesterday afternoon. A skirmish took place on Thursday morng. last between the friendly natives and Katatore's party which resulted in the defeat of the latter with a loss of 5 wounded, three severely --- The following are the names --- Hori, Pene, Iraia, severely Topia, Kerehoma Friendly natives Raniera (through the thigh) Te Retiu (in the shoulder) Mohi (in the foot) In this affair Raniera greatly distinguished himself and will, in future, carry more weight with his people --- Tamati Waka as usual took great care of his precious self and in proportion with Rawiri's rise, so with the others fall --- the firing from all accounts was kept up with great spirit but miserably directed, hence the few casualties --- I am told by natives that the affair is to be reviewed this morning by Katatore who threatened to invest the pa --- I do not think he will do anything of the kind --- he is too good a general to attack a strong pa with small arms --- however I sent a native policeman down this morng. to watch and report proceedings --- I am also informed that the Ngatiruanui natives intend paying Ihaia another visit on account of alleged interference with their tupapaku's --- if true, the casualties will I think be severe on both sides --- On Saturday last at Moturoa, , one of Henere te Ware's men, breathed his last --- it appears he never properly recovered from the measles --- Same day, at the Kawau, , expired from the same cause. I do not know where this will find you but at a rough guess think at Ahuriri, however wherever you may be, do not give yourself any concern about us --- as no good can be effected --- for my own part I have acquired the habit of looking on and intend to see the end of affairs --- I cannot think the natives will continue to live under the present uncertain state of things and am of opinion that we shall eventually be gainers in several ways --- The "Poutama" question is answered by the several letters recently sent to you by Rogan --- we suppose you will leave it alone for the present --- I hope you have not met any difficulties at the South and that we shall soon hear of your return to Auckland --- Hoping you are well believe me Faithfully yours H. Halse