New Plymouth Nov.17, 1856 My dear Sir, In consequence of Waka not going to the Kaipakopako last Monday as was expected by W.Kingi there was no korero there but much dissatisfaction expressed by the natives assembled. On the following day however Roka, Rawiri's widow, with her son Raumeka, under the care of Mohi te Mangara and Ihaka Raniera, went to the Kaipakopako and met with a kind reception. This unexpected step produced a sensation amongst the natives, and Nikorima and Ihaia fearing that other natives would follow the example thus set, took possession of the Awe taane and declared their intention to fire upon any natives proceeding to the Kaipakopako. On Wednesday W.Kingi left the Kaipakopako and returned to Waitara Mohi te Mangara went with him. On Thursday I went to the Mangaraku to see what was going on and what was likely to be done in this new state of affairs. I found Arama Karaka in a very weak state and anxious for peace in which he is now joined by the Ninia natives. He is vexed with the opposition of Ihaia and Nikorima and was working himself up beyond his little remaining strength until checked and requested to resume his recumbent position. His intention is to leave Nikorima and Ihaia to follow their own inclinations for a few days and if then unsuccessful against Katatore as they assuredly will be for he will not leave his pa, to cause the white flag to be hoisted at the Ninia - this would signify that the Kaipakopako, Tima and Ninia pas are friendly and have but one tikanga, namely to establish peace. I took leave of Arama and passed on to the Tima when I suddenly came upon a party of Nikorima's natives on the inland side of Mangataranaho, watching for the return of Raka and her son, under an impression that she would be escorted. I was unusually well received by the pa and ushered into a long low hut where sat Roka in a thoughtful mood, a striking contrast to her boy who was skipping about and seemed to fancy he had made a mistake and stept into paradise, so much to his boyish fancy did he find it. Whilst the natives were talking and their white flag flying several shots passed over the pa which gave me an opportunity for observing their feelings towards the boy who now and then bounded out of the house and was instantly brought back with much tenderness lest he should be hurt by a crooked shot. I should observe that Nikorima's people intended no injury to the widow or child, they were vexed at the step taken by her and wished to counteract it. As a white flag was flying at the Kaipakopako I moved on and found Katatore there with a few men. He was as usual very civil, said he was asleep when I was announced from which circumstance I might judge his intentions. His desire for war was at an end and although Nikorima and Ihaia were firing at him, his only reply was the white flag flying over our heads to which he drew my attention. This system he intended to continue unless they came close up to his pa in that case his gun would go off. From this I inferred that he had decided to tolerate a certain amount of annoyance without retaliating which was shortly afterwards confirmed by the circumstance of 10 natives belonging to Nikorima moving nearer to the Tima into which they fired several shots and were returning to their nuinga, when a fire was opened upon them from the taumahi, wounding Epiha in the foot which was pierced through and he fell. I was near the Ninia at the time and saw the man fall, he was immediately picked up and led away by two of his companions. From all I have been enabled to learn I think the present week (if fine) will witness the last of the opposition to the peace question, which I believe the natives generally who are getting wretchedly poor, heartily desire. Hone Ropiha has given up his intention of proposing a division of the land at present in consequence of some disagreeable remarks made by Te Opira, of Paraeiti, during an angry argument between them upon another subject - remarks which Te Opira is supposed to have heard from Katatore. I have cut out the enclosed admirable letter from last Saturday's paper for your perusal - it has produced an elongation in several countenances and made our Kai ruri whenua feel excessively uneasy about some of his antecedents which are well known to the writer. The Bishop arrived here on Saty. evg. from Nelson and I hear leaves this day for Auckland - if so I shall send this by his vessel in preference to the O.M. Hoping you are well, believe me, My dear sir, Faithfully yours, H.Halse To:- McLean Esq. P.S. As my stay in this district is likely to be of short duration will you have the kindness to get my Requisition for firewood approved and sent down - You are not perhaps aware that no authority has been sent here for the payment of my salary since the last Estimates were past and but for Richmond's accidental visit I should have been without any since the 1st of July last. He verbally authorised the Sub Treasurer to pay my last quarters abstracts on the former scale (£150 per annum) which in these times of scarcity I was glad to get. You will I am sure excuse the mention of this particularly as the credit system involves extra expense. H.H.