New Plymouth November 9th. 1850. Sir, In obedience to your direction, I have made careful enquiries amongst the Puketapu natives, in order to ascertain their feelings respecting the occupation of the Bell Block, and beg to state that they are now favourable to the immediate location of settlers here. Te Puke, one of the principal oppositionists, declared in the presence of myself and about fifteen of his people that three fourths of the Block might be taken up at once, and hoped his offer would notbe rejected, promising to consult with Parata, the elder, and Raniera about the inland portion, which was then in dispute. Since then, Rawiri tells me the natives have been in Committee, and that it is now understood all further opposition towards the occupation of the Bell Block is at an end. Rawiri further states that an addition to the Block is contemplated inland as far as the Mangaraka. Should they do so, a valuable tract of land will be secured, and further cessions North and South will proably follow. From all I can gather, it appears that the arrival of so many English ships of late has removed the difficulty in the way of the Bell Block, and increased the desire to part with more land for the Europeans who arrived by these vessels; and some jealousy has been occasioned among the Puketapu, and tribes North of the Waiwakaiho, by a report that the white population is about to extend itself, South of the Sugar Loaf Islands. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant (Signed) H. Halse. Sergt. A.P.F. To:- Henry King Esq. Resident Magistrate. (Signed) Thos. J. King R.M.