Report from 29th. Feb. to 13th. March 1852. Feb. 29 Sunday Parade at ten oclock. Mar. 1 Evidence given before Resident Magistrate by Mr. Watt, Mr. Woon, and self, in reference to Mr. Merrett's conduct towards natives in this settlement - adjourned for further evidence until 10 oclock tomorrow morning. Posted usual report to you by this days overland mail to Wellington. Renata, a Huirangi native, came to Barracks and complained of having been assaulted by Joseph Street the younger. 2 Received a Warrant of Arrest against Jacob Farey, for debt. Hori, a Taranaki native, gave evidence against Mr. Merrett - judgment - defendant to be imprisoned for four days. On information that Jacob Farey had absconded, sent Privates Johnson and Hakopa to Waitara with directions to the latter to continue in pursuit. Johnson returned, in less than three hours, and reported that three Europeans crossed the Waitara river at an early hour this morning. 3 By direction of Resident Magistrate I went to Tataraimaka to endeavour to remove some hauranga natives off land in that block, and left Pte. Johnson in charge of the Police during my absence. 4 Court Day - cases arranged. Pte. Hakopa returned to Town at 10 p.m. with Jacob Farey and and gave him over to the custody of the goaler. Mar. 5 The "Elizabeth", Davies, from Manukao, passengers T. Candish, T. Brown, Wm. Neil, Silby, cargo 23000 ft. timber. I returned from Tataraimaka - owing to the arrival from the south of Rangi Kapuoho and a small party of natives, formerly living at Omata, on the 3rd. instant, at Tapuae; Te Ngahuru declined going with me to Tatara, I therefore proceeded with Mr. Carrington, surveyor, and found four gardens two being of recent culture, but declined entering into the subject in the absence of Te Ngahuru. Overland mail from Auckland. The barque "William Hyde", 532 tons, Applewaite, from Canterbury with 19 passengers and goods for this place. Mar. 6 General muster. Attended at Police Office - reported to Resident Magistrate result of visit to Tataraimaka. Mr. Merrett was discharged. Iharaira, of Puketapu, through Tamati Waka, desired to be appointed an Assessor in this settlement. Overland mail from Wellington. Received a packet from you containing native correspondence, letter to me dated 16th. February and returned Abstracts for rent of Police Barracks. 7 Sunday parade. One of the Police on duty at the Church during the hours of service. A special native messenger arrived from Kawhia with a despatch for the Governor in Chief. Mar. 8 Renata v. J. Street - arranged. A schooner came up from the south and anchored at Moturoa. 9 By direction of Resident Magistrate Pte. Heale left for Whanganui with a despatch for Sir George Grey. The "Shepherdess", Swann, 2 days from Wellington with 5 passenger from the "Agra" - viz. Mr. and Mrs. Norris and 2 children Mr. C. Ewen. Overland mail left for Auckland. 10 Hakopa went to Hospital. 12 The "Shepherdess" sailed for Kawhia. 13 General muster. Resident Magistrate not in Town. Received a letter and a sum of £1.36 collected by the teachers and elderly men of Mokau, in satisfaction of the recent robbery committed by some lads of that place on Mr. Homeyer. Hakopa left Hospital. Rawiri Waiaua, Taumata and Te Ngahuru came to Barracks. The "Wm. Hyde" having discharged about 30 tons of goods and luggage sailed for Hokianga. Present disposal of the Police here. 1. Dunn & General duty. 2. Johnson 3. Heale Absent of service. 4. Cook As usual. 5. Newsham & At Omata Hakopa Sick Rawiri, Hone Ropiha, Taumata, Tamati Waka and Te Ngahuru the same as formerly. List of passengers for Wm. Hyde. Mr. and Mrs. Kingdom 2 Mr. Cotton 1 Mr. and Mrs. Wright 2 William Wright Edward Wright M ary Ann Wright Elizabeth Wright Samuel Wright David Wright 6 Elizabeth Greaves 1 R.M. Simley 1 E.W. Hollles Ann Holles 2 Thomas Berridge Ann Berridge Wm. Berridge 3 Hannah Hausley Total In conclusion I beg to add all here is quiet. H. Halse. Sergt. Major. New Plymouth 13th. March 1852.