New Plymouth, October 26, 1857 My dear Sir, The boundary line reached Wanganui on Wednesday last and Mr. Parris returned to town. Arapata finding that the land he and his people claim, is eastward of the line, had previously gone back to Huirangi. Mr. Parris is now waiting to learn whether Ngatiruanui is opposed to the line being cut as far as Wakangerengere and will be satisfied with a sight of the place in order that its position may be fixed on the map. The value of the land is little compared with the advantages of purchasing what Katatori has offered and having a direct boundary. line to simplify the next purchase. To repeat any might result in the loss of the whole and supposing his sanctionis not carried to that extent, the loss in acreage would not be likely to meet with a corresponding reduction in sovereigns. As it appears from the best information obtainable that the Wakangerengere is the division line between Ngatiawa and Ngatiruanui, I am no advocate for throwing the balance of influence into the hands of the latter, who are decidedly to the present time against us. It is whispered among the Natives that the objection to the line crossing Waiongana is simply that the whole of the land eastward of that river and on to the Waitara may be sold in a block by itself, and not cut off a portion of this Whenua rangatira and add it on to the Whenua mokai, piro etc. If this is true, Mr. Parris will close with Katatori as far as Waiongana, but it is so difficult to find out the intentions of the Mahoetahi and Huirangi natives, that some time may elapse before anything decisive is done. Katatori and the Natives generally wish Mr. Parris not to visit either Huirangi or Ngatiruanui, but I am disposed to think that the proper course will be to go to Arapata, a man of considerable influence, and endeavour to arrive at a proper understanding with him, before proceeding to the Wakangerengere. Ihaia called in July and told me it would never do for him to leave Ikamoana until more land was sold, and that he intended when Katatori's offer was settled, to urge the sail of the Ikamoana and afterwards Waitara. I am glad to say that there is some prospect of Ihaia and Katatori saluting each other shortly and so remove the last obstacle to further land purchases. Faithfully yours, H. Halse. To:- McLean Esq. No news from Ngatimaniapoto. The prisoners are well and cheerful and only look miserable when visited by relatives or friends. Our natives are indignant at the idea of any attempt being made to frighten the authorities into compliance. Had Waka adopted a different tune his application might have been favourably considered, but as it is, no intention whatever exists to release the prisoners before the expiration of the time stated. H.H.