Taranaki Dec.23, 1854 My dear Sir, Last Wednesday at noon the Ngatiruanui Natives, headed by Tamati Oraukawa, and numbering between four and five hundred men, attacked and after some hard fighting carried Ihaia's pa at the Mamaku with the following loss - Paora te Matangiorupe Killed Pairama Anaru Tahana Moana Tawai Hamiora Kewetane Karira (of the Hurutahi) Nopera Tamure Kaiwheke Badly wounded Tai tuha Kerekeha Ihaia (of Waiheke) Hohepa Slightly wounded Rawiri Te Katene Wati Hamiora Komene Our friend Nopera foolishly joined the Ngatiruanuis in order to have an opportunity for distinguishing himself and to carry off in triumph a lady belonging to that tribe who it appears he is wooing. Ihaia acted with great bravery on the occasion and is now an acknowledged 'toa', still, but for the timely and well conceived aid rendered by Raniera and the friendly natives Ihaia and his followers must have been destroyed - as it is he escaped unhurt to Mahoetahi with the following loss -Tipene Raharuhu (of Waingaroa) Killed Raihania Makareta Eruine (of Whanganui) Te Kawau Hori te iwhi* Dangerously wounded Tamati Tiraurau Badly Paranihi Do. Ane Do. * This is the man that shot Rimene by Ihaia's direction and he is fearfully punished the right jaws are a complete mash and his left thumb near the palm is in a similar state - his sufferings are great and as it were to make the case worse his intellect is unimpaired - At an early hour yesterday mng. the Superintendent left Town for Huirangi to see the Ngatiruanui's - I went with him. On our way we called at the Half way House and found the natives throwing up fortification in expectation of attack for which one and all blame W. Kingi, of Waitara - On our arrival at Mahoetahi, Mahau's pa, Karipa and Wi te Ahoaho came out and invited us in - Ihaia was on his feet giving a full history of the battle and anything but complimentary when alluding to the Europeans - this pa is being fortified and nearly completed. Mahau declared that if the Ngatiruanui's attempt to pass, he will fire upon them and no doubt the slaughter would be considerable. As we approached Huirangi we met a messenger on his way to Mahoetahi and soon after came in sight of the 'taua'. His Honor stated that his object in visiting them was to disabuse their minds of any intention on the part of Europeans to interfere in the present quarrel - that he had caused a notice to be issued warning Europeans not to interfere in any way and if any should disregard the warning and get shot no notice whatever would be taken of the circumstance - This explanation was well received and His Honor was told that their sole business was with Ihaia, who they meant to have - if he were removed out of the Province they would be satisfied and hostilities would immediately cease - a great deal more was said which I have not time to communicate - A party of the King's people was making for the 'taua' as we left - I have this morning heard that a number of Taranaki natives have arrived at Warea and intend coming on to assist the Ngatiruanuis - Faithfully yours H. Halse