Monday Morng. Dec. 22. 56. My dear Sir, Another week has passed without effecting anything definite with the peace question. I hear that there is a gathering of Natives at Taupo for the purpose of strengthening the "Anti Land Selling League" and proposing a separate Government for themselves - in other words to assume the sovereignty of these Islands, but I have not heard what chief is to be made their King. On this important point I imagine there will be immense squabbling owing to the usual jealousy entertained by Chiefs of each other in addition to their frequent disputes regarding boundaries - disputes that must ever divide them amongst themselves and ultimately tend to our advantage. Should there be anything in this movement, the exercise of power for its repression appears more necessary than at any antecedent period in the history of the country. I am not aware that any of our Natives are taking part in this gathering, heither do I think they are informed of its object - all they appear to think of, is the expected arrival of Taupo to unite with Kiri kumara against W. Kingi and Katatore. Te Ngahuru, long dissatisfied with his pay as an Assessor, intends to write to the Governor and yourself shortly, resigning his appointment. I am sorry for this because he is a long headed and influential man, capable of rendering important services in our relations with the natives as far south as Ngatiruanjui. You will remember that we were indebted to him (Te Ngahuru) for the road to Tataraimaka, when he was told that his services should be brought under the notice of the Governor. The only man I know capable of filling Te Ngahuru's place, would be Hoane, of Katikara, and Ngarangomate, of Tapuae the latter perhaps would be the most influential of the two, although I do not feel sanguine about either. Ihaia Potikitoa, of the Hua, died last Tuesday of consumption and Tainora (poor Hakopa's brother) will shortly follow. John Davis, the black man, living at Oakura, married to Te Ngahuru's sister when in Waikato, who died some 4 years since, wishes to return to Waingaroa, his former residence, owing to a desire on the part of old Kawana and some of his young men to get rid of him now that he is infirm and unable to comply with their demands. Being a squatter I fear nothing can be done for him and have advised him to look out for a quiet easy going situation amongst our farmers for which he would be found useful. Wishing you the compliments of the season, believe me, faithfully yours, H. Halse. New Plymouth To:- Donald McLean Esq.Auckland P.S. Please remember me to John Rokau and say his wish shall be attended to as soon as Carrington can attend to it. They are all busy in that office including the C.L. Comr. It may be as well to say that Mr. White was fined according to evidence in that particular case, when it was clearly proved that he had been depasturing or running cattle on Native Lands. My office was full of Huirangi natives loudly complaining of Mr. White's conduct for driving and scattering their cattle in various direction. H.H.