New Plymouth Oct. 27, 56 My dear Sir, On Saturday last the Ikamoana, Ninia and Town natives went towards the Kaipakopako and challenged Katatore to come out and fight with the view of putting an end to the business, but he refused to do so, whereupon they fired away at the pa as before and returned to their various places. There is a rumour amongst the natives that Wiremu Kingi is now anxious to sell the Waitara and has been to Hapurona and Arapata upon the subject, if true, we shall soon hear more about it. I thought it proper to mention the circumstance privately to the Supt. simply as a native rumour but beyond him I shall observe silence to all. The Supt. remembered W. Kingi's dream which to say the least was very singular. Hone Ropiha is quite cut up about the Pound offence, which I hope will be treated by you with consideration. We are all afraid that the steamer has passed and this day's O.M. will take the letters that were kept back last week for transmission by her. Have you heard of the new and most deadly weapon called the Enfield rifle which promises to prove more than a match for any field guns of the present day. I should like one of them amazingly to astonish some of our volunteers here. My office is full of natives about 2 cows sold by them to Mr. Hulke and which proved to belong to Mr. J. Lethbridge. Half the money has been paid in by them and returned to Mr. Hulke and the trenga will soon follow. In haste Faithfully yours H. Halse To:- McLean Esq.