New Plymouth October 26th. 1850 Sir, I beg to forward the Police Report of proceedings in this settlement for the fortnight ending this day:- October 14th. I was engaged this morning with Poharama and other Moruroa natives about the horse which was shot last Saturday night. After a long discussion, the natives consented to delay the investigation of the case until to-morrow. Honi Ropiha came into town. I received two Summonses against William Henwood and Michael Connor. I posted a letter, with enclosures, to you, by the Wellington Overland Mail. October 15th. Hone Ropiha Wareroa, and others v. William Henwood; case - felony. After a long enquiry, it was adjourned for further evidence. When the natives were informed of the adjournment, they became excited, went to the Kawau, formed a party of about thirty, some armed, headed by Paratene and Karira, and rushed wildly to the "Ship Hotel", where they seixed Henwood's horse, saddle and bridle, and returned to the Pah. Died - Charles McDonald, from injuries received by the accidental overturning of a cart on the Carrington road yesterday afternoon. A Coroner's jury was summoned, met, and returned a verdict of accidental death. October 16th. Yesterday's case resumed. John Wright having been examined, the case was dismissed. The Bench expressed great regret at the recent practice of shooting horses, which could only result in general trouble; the natives knowing full well that they had strength on their side, and concluded with much severity on the gross perjury of John Loveridge, the younger, whose evidence was rejected at yesterday's hearing. On my application, Captain King did not see any occasion to despatch a special messenger to you. The "Katherine Johnstone", Murphy, 14 days from Nelson; cargo, 318 bushels barley, 2 casks ale, and sundries. October 17th. Tamati Waka returned from Taranaki, and informed me that S. Howell, Mr. Cutfield's man, accidently cut a native's leg. The case being misrepresented, a "tana, was formed, to plunder and burn Mr. Cutfield's house. The cause of the injury being made known, the party dispersed after receiving some "utu" from Mr. Cutfield. D. Bishop v. G. Robinson; case - debt; judgement for plaintiff. The "Maria Josephine", Morrison, 30 tons; 15 days from Wellington; passengers - Mr. and Mrs. Octavius Carrington and family; cargo - sundries. The late Charles McDonald was buried in the Parish Church yard. October 18th. Died at her mother's house - Mrs. Charles Rowe, after an illness of several months. I posted a report of the occurrence of the 15th. inst. to you. The "Katharine Johnstone" sailed for Wellington. The "Maria Josephine" sailed for Nelson. Overland Mail from Wellington. I received a letter and returned Abstracts, from you. October 15th. General muster. I was in attendance at the Police Office. October 20th. Sunday Parade at ten o'clock. October 21st. Mr. William Black lodged a complaint before Captain King against Tame Watene, and other Puketapu natives, for taking away cattle, without fulfilling their Contract entered into in the year 1848. I delivered to Captain King the Requisitions and other papers for transmission to Auckland. The late Mrs. Charles Rowe was buried in the Parish Church yard. October 22nd. Rawiri came to Barracks, and expressed his regret at last Tuesday's robbery. By direction of Captain King, Private Johnson went to Moturoa, and examined the state of the wounded horse, which he reports to be quite recovered. A Ngatiruanui native, named Hakopa, complained of not being paid by Samuel Curtis for work done. On enquiry, I found the work was not properly finished, and recommended the native to return to it; which he did, and was then paid. October 24th. Medland on duty at Police Office. The rest of the Force in town, assembled at Barracks. October 26th. General muster and drill. Two "tauas" of Puketapu natives came into town, armed with guns and tomahawks, to arrange a dispute amongst themselves; the particulars of which, as nearly as I could ascertain, are as follows:- During Tame Watene's stay in town lately, he has been letting out two horses to hire, the proceeds of which have been appropriated to himself, much to the annoyance of Tamati Waka, an alleged part-owner of one of the horses; who declared he would have the defaulter put in prison. Katatori, hearing this, followed with several of his people, who threatened to shoot Tamati Waka, if he attempted to carry out his intentions towards Tame Watene. Te Tahana strongly endeavoured to dissuade the natives from coming into town, but without effect. Honi Ropiha came up and commented at great length on the practice of entering an European settlement with arms, particularly in a dispute like the present, only concerning themselves; and finished with an allusion to the recent act of plunder, which had caused him much uneasiness. Tamati Waka said that neither Europeans nor Assessors had any influence here, and called loudly for soldiers, that the evil ways of the natives might he put an end to. After some severe remarks from Katatori, the "tauas" dispersed. Honi Ropiha subsequently told me that he approved of Tamati Waka's suggestion about stationing Military at this settlement. Captain King was fully apprised of the above proceedings. The duties of the Police continue to be attended to, with variations in the night watches; and with the exception of the late instances of lawless conduct, which caused, at the time, considerable excitement, tranquility appears to be again restored. I have the honour to be Sir, Your most obedient, humble servant (Signed) H. Halse. Sergt. A.P.F. To:- D. McLean Esq. J.P. Inspector of Police.