New Plymouth May 22nd, 1855 My dear Sir, The native question remains in much the same state of inactivity as when I last wrote to you. On the 12th instant a party of Ngatiruanui natives, about 100, came into Town, unarmed, for the purpose of trade, and behaved in an orderly manner, returning to the Poutoko the same evening. Some opposition to their approach was evinced at first by the resident natives, and I was instructed to see the natives at the Half way house to induce them to remain away. I found that no intention existed on their part to offer any opposition to the Ngatiruanuis. the feeling being confined to Poharama and Hoera of the Ratapihipihi. While the Ngatiruanuis were trading our people were fortifying the new pa, and Iharaira, Ropiha Moturoa, Tamati Waka and others conducted an armed party of Ngatiruanuis to Tarurutangi, to shew them where poor Rawiri and his people fell. Katatore's conduct was gravely censured in my presence by Ngatimaru with the admission that they had been misinformed upon the subject. In consequence of this a circular is now being distributed amongst the Taranaki, Ngatiruanui and Ngatimania-poto natives, to set them right in this matter and if possible reduce the feud to its proper limit. Touching this "new pa" which has been recently erected at the "Ninia" I believe more properly called the "Mura", by Ararama Karaka, aided by all the natives from Mahoetahi to Moturoa. It is situated on a rising ground about a 1/4 of a mile to the eastward of Waitaha, inland of the Devon Road and in observation of the Kaipakopako, from which it is distant about 3/4 of a mile. I am told the object in building this pa is to get possession of all the land bounded on the north by Nangoraka puta noa ki utu as payment for the slain and offer it to you --- If true this unfortunate business will shortly assume an important character, a threat having been held out to shoot any native bold enough to offer land to Government. As might be expected Katatore views the recent proceedings with jealousy and fear. He has despatched a messenger to Ngatiruanui for assistance and the opinion amongst our natives is that the appeal will not be in vain. In the mean time whatever may happen the settlers must trust to the chapter of accidents for security ---Not a word has been heard here since His Excellency left for Auckland and I think he is right in keeping quiet until it is known whether we can or cannot have troops - His Excellency has been pleased to recommend that my Salary as Interpreter to the R.M. 's Court should be raised to £100. a year, with the understanding that I act as assistant native secretary as well. In these dear times such an addition would have been most acceptable and I began to feel secure against the whare here here, when suddenly my anticipations vanished for the Supt. told me that as soon as I received the expected addition my salary as Inspector of Police would be reduced £50, in other words appropriating one half of the amount His Excellency has been pleased to recommend for me to go towards defraying the expense of another Policeman! in place of John Dunn appointed Pound keeper -Poor Ritchie, a promising officer and about to get married is I believe to supply the rest of the pay for the new Policeman. I shall not attempt to offer any remarks upon this novel mode of treating an old officer, detained here at the express wish of the Superintendent himself when an opportunity of a superior appointment offered elsewhere - I cannot help feeling for my friend Ritchie who merits better treatment for his services. The extent of scheming carried on here is considerable and in the long run must crumble to pieces, a circumstance I regret because there is no occasion for anything of the kind. My brother wishes to be remembered to you and I am glad to say we are all well - Faithfully yours, H.Halse