Private New Plymouth 22nd May, 1852 Dear Sir, I enclose native correspondence and venture a few remarks upon it - The difficulty in selecting a limited number of "Assessors" from, this peculiarly circumstanced district and placing salaries opposite their names in accordance with the scale laid down was not unknown to me, but, when the then contemplated arrangement was made known to and approved by the natives themselves my mind was easy and I wished to see it carried into effect, and observe its working - As it now stands an intended good may prove an evil. 1stly. Tahana, a man Parata's party seem anxious to bring into notice, is not pleased at being placed on the same footing with newly appointed assessors, he himself having been appointed in the year 50 - an additional £10 would perhaps be advisable here - 2ndly. Te Ngahuru has intimated his intention to resign at the expiration of the current year unless his salary is increased and I feel convinced that he will be annoyed when the present arrangement reaches him - my experience with him during the last 2 years has satisfied me of his importance on our side, I would therefore suggest that an additional sum of £10 be placed agst. his name and so ensure a continuation of his services. 3rdly. Te Waka a good man at bottom might be placed on the list at £10. I have previously reported the final arrangement of the Waireka question - since that, the boundery dispute at Kaiwaru affecting Matthews land has been arranged by him. His native pride is touched in being omitted still he expressed his intention to assist me whenever occasion offered, a declaration I observed that had its effect on the natives who were with me at the time. 4thly. Hone Ropiha Utuhia was appointed with the former and is hurt at being passed over - he is however willing to code the point in favour of his elder, and a line from you would be balm to his soul. If you consider these suggestions worth notice the sooner the alteration is made the better and I would further venture to suggest that the salaries commence from the - if practicable. The list would them stand thus, Rawiri £50 Hone Ropiha 50 Poharama 30 Te Ngahuru 30 Taumata 20 Tamati Waka 20 Tahana 20 Te Waka 10 To heroa 10 Paora Kukutai 10 Hare Purumare 10 Ihaia Total 270 sum allowed in the estimates under the head "Police Department". I told Hone Ropiha his letter to the Governor would be forwarded to you and he was satisfied - In reference to complaint agst. Rawiri preferred by Parata's party I am disposed to attribute it to jealousy and but for Hone Ropiha's opinion confirmatory of the complaint I should attach little importance to it. Rawiri appears to be losing his influence fast particularly since the "horse" case which is talked of to this day - In order that Rawiri might defend himself I read the enclosed letter to him, he however declined writing and wished me to keep the letter back because - said he - the contents are untrue. Tahana and Raniera called in order that the complaint be forwarded by this day's mail I sent account sales of wash stand and wardrobe -"both articles realized the highest prices that could be obtained here - Cutfield has had the offer of the but it is not yet known whether he has accepted it. I am disposed to think the shades of Tatara will prevail with him we shall see - Chilman came in Town last Saty. and found a letter lying in the Post Office for him - it was an answer from the Governor to the memorial praying that an officer be appointed here to purchase land from the natives - the letter went on to say that G.S.Cooper had been appointed Inspector of Police here, with full powers to treat with natives for land; this is the first official information received on a subject every one knew, the only mystery was the non appearance of the man himself - There is to be a bachelors ball at A.Kings rooms on 2nd June next which is to astonish late arrivals a little -if they survive the occasion I believe it will be followed up by the married men in a manner perfectly stunning - I shall be glad to know where you are and how you are whenever you can spare a moment to write - and should You take a fancy to revisit the old mountain just let me know a little before that I may find shelter for you and yours - hoping you are well I remain, Dear Sir, Faithfully yours H. Halse