New Plymouth Jan. 26, 57. My dear Sir, You will see from the speeches in the Herald that the further acquisition of land is likely to be the main subject for consideration with our new legislators, but how or in what manner this difficult business is to be managed I am not prepared to say. We may now consider that the land from Mengataranoho to the sea is tacitly surrendered to the Ninia natives who continue in occupation. The inland side again, puta noa, we may also consider in the hands of the Kaipakopako natives who have no more idea of selling an inch of that waste than the other natives, former followers of the late Rawiri, have of selling any portion of the Ikamoana to Government. Non interference on the part of Government is the reason now assigned by these natives who have made peace with Katatore for joining the Anti Land-selling League. It may be from fear of again moving in the land question but the above is the reason given for withholding the land from the pakeha. Hoping you are well, Believe me, Faithfully yours, H. Halse. To:- McLean Esq. I have an appointment with the Superintendent this morning who wishes to talk over the proposed subject of taxing carts with Te Ngahuru. We are all in excellent spirits and prepared any distance beyond our strict line of duty to forward wishes of our new Supt. H.H. Our natives are busy harvesting for Europeans.