New Plymouth September 27th. 1851. Dear Sir, I received on Saturday night last your letter of the 8th. inst. and a parcel containing notes, most of which I had the pleasure of delivering on the following day. Te Rangi Matotoru's letter, sent by last mail, will explain in great measure the state of the question of exchanging the Reserve on Mr. Richardson's estate - in addition Honi Ropiha tells me that Matene is concerned and through him (by some unknown process) Henere te Ware, Manihera and others have an interest in the property, all of whom must be consenting parties before the exchange can be effected - so far so well, but I believe there is a little more involved in this question not yet openly expressed and it is this; - a desire on the part of Te Ware, Manihera and others to get possession of or a second payment for the European lands north of Waiwakaiho - hence the encroachment on S.E. boundary affecting Mr. Smart's farm and reluctance to part with their present footing - on the other hand circumstances may cause them to surrender the reserve freely and with it, land at the back of Smart's farm - this is mere conjecture and possibly an extravagant view of the question now pending, still I cannot but think that the secret of the difficulty will be traced to one of the two causes mentioned - in the mean time by the influence of money, Mr. Brown stopped further work on the Reserve for six months thinking it likely you would be round before that time expired. Katatori paid me a visit yesterday to suit his purpose and dictated the letter I have enclosed, he told me that a payment to himself and old Hina would be sufficient, the Europeans might then have the land so long disputed, otherwise it would be withheld as usual and I fully believe him. Captain King seems anxious to have this eventful block of land finally arranged and I may say the feeling is general, it is however to be hoped that when given out, the whole will be brought into cultivation with as little delay as possible and not left as a temptation for disaffected natives to cultivate. Their quarrelsome disposition coupled with the policy of the Government towards them might be turned to advantage if you were here, little else in now talked of by them but a tuku whenua and Mongaraka is the boundary - they appear serious and I should like to see them put to the test - old Huia I am told intends to honor this establishment with a visit on Monday or Tuesday next, when I shall hear more about it - in the event of this desirable block being obtained would it be practicable to avoid making Reserves in it, on the ground of thereby putting an effectual stop to frequent causes of disputes by the trespass of cattle? This reminds me of Mr. Cutfield's cattle always running out of the boundary and a constant source of annoyance to natives between Omata and Kaihihi, who now threaten to shoot them and unless they are removed shortly it is most likely the threat will be carried into execution - when I consider the losses by rua's together with the frequent demands on the owner's purse for damages, I hardly think the herd a profitable investment and yet if it were not, surely they would not keep it on through all the bother and trouble which it entails. Tamati Waka's affair is lost in the all absorbing topic of land and better not revived at all events just now, the letter which is also enclosed was written in consequence of a conversation I had with him, perhaps it would be as well to notice his admission on account of his being a married man because beyond that it would be difficult to bring the charge home to him - on this matter as well as all others you know best. The Abstracts for rent are forwarded for your signature but since one object for which the house was taken as a Barracks, namely as a residence for yourself has now ceased, you may possibly prefer retaining the Office and men's room merely, at a rent less than now payable for the whole building. The Shepherdess returned this morning after a spell of 10 days at sea in bad weather and 8 days in Port Hardy - on inquiry I was told she would sail this evening for Wellington and prepared accordingly - now it appears she is going to Kawhia, so much for the wavering habits of the agent who would do better to direct his attention to some more simple occupation. The wounded horse is recovering slowly but the man who shot it, has not yet been discovered. Sep. 28. "Lucy James" just returned from Porirua and is to leave for Wellington on Tuesday next but since no dependence can be placed on such statement I think it better to forward this by tomorrow's overland post. Sincerely yours, H. Halse. Monday 29 Sep. Puketapus natives in Town about a tuku whenua particulars will be forwarded by "Lucy James". The korero is to begin when Captain King comes into Town. I observe old Huia, Katatori, Raniera, Tahana, Taumata, and about twenty others. H. H. D. McLean Esq.