New Plymouth 15 Decr. 1856. My dear Sir, There is nothing important to communicate about Native movements by this opportunity. Waka, Raniera, Tahana with most of their people visited Katatore at the Kaipakopako last Friday. Raniera and Tahana returned the following day and Waka is to be escorted back by W. Kingi this morning as far as Taruratangi, which will a make my old friend prouder than ever. A. Karaka is at Katere. He is most anxious to witness a general peace but unless Nikorima and Ihaia quicken their movements, I fear he will be disappointed. Henere Puni left in the Zingari last trip for Wellington where he is likely to remain some time. I touched upon the old subject before he went but as I have said before talking has no effect, neither do I think time and patience will have any with him. It is not so much the land but the precedent that causes me to attach so much importance to this particular case about which there cannot be a shadow of a doubt, seeing that his father signed away the land under his feet; however I hope my apprehensions for the future may be as romantic as a recent attempt for a lumping compensation for a certain peace of swampy land in the neighbourhood of the Henui proved to be. The original letters of which the enclosed are copies were received by last weeks o,m, and brought to me by Hone Ropiha - they will serve to keep you informed on this most singular native dispute. Five Moturoa natives were drunk and disorderly in Town on Saty. afternoon last and locked up. After having been repeatedly told to go home, they threw off their clothes, performed the pukana farce and then threatened the few Police with violence, one of whom received a sudden and unprovoked cut across the face with a riding whip. Some bystanders were then called upon to aid the Police and the unruly 5 were secured and taken to the lock up. Other natives who had been previously boassing of their impunity of action and disregard of the pakeha, seeing the fate of the 5 notorious rum drinkers, took the hint and left the Town. Experience proves the lock up and subsequent fine, rarely less than 18/-, wonderful specifics, some of the most violent men when in liquor such as Wiremu Piti, Hoera Pirere alias Big Joe, are now altered characters and it is to be hoped will continue so. I am now off to the R.M.'s Court as Interpreter and then to Mangati to see what can be done with Hollis' pig case - the natives that shot it having been away. Every one will be looking out for this weeks o.m. from Auckland and bad as the times are I intend to drink Cutfield's health in a bumper as soon as he is returned. Faithfully yours, H. Halse. To:- McLean Esq.