Copy Grey Institution Decr. 15, 1854 Dear Sir, I went to the Mamaku yesterday afternoon and saw Ihaia who has fortified his 'pa' with a double fence, trench and embankment, and intends taking in a stock of flour etc. to enable him to stand a siege. He refuses to give any clue to evidence by giving up the correspondence which passed between te 'Rimene' and 'Hariata'. He says "I told you before I would not be questioned at all in the matter nor will I now" - I do not care to adjust the matter with the Ngatiruanui's - they have "launched Aotea" let it come to its destination. The pit is opened I do not wish to close it. When I asked him who fired the fatal shot, He said (as at first) that he did it - but upon close interrogation he admitted that he compelled Hori to do it or take the alternative of being himself shot. His motive for compelling 'Hori' to shoot the man, was, that he might himself be in readiness to repel any attack from the friends of the deceased. Besides the pa called Kareponia they have erected other two fortifications, one to the west across the swamp, and the other a short distance up and on the North or East side of the river. Ihaia sayshe will not go out of the Pa to fight but simply stand on the defensive. He also states that he will not admit any of the Ngatiruanui chiefs to call him to account or in any manner or form to question either himself or the woman in the matter. At Huirangi I saw the messenger from the Ngatiruanui's, who was sent on from the main party to apprise of their coming. They will be at Huirangi either this evening or on Saturday morning and I have arranged to spend the Sabbath with them at that place. Their intentions are professedly peaceable, they say they have only come to talk. They have sent a message to Katatore to the effect that he is not to come to see them as they do not wish to mix up the two affairs together. The reports as to what Ihaia said on the occasion of the man being shot and on the evidence of the man's guilt are very conflicting and unsatisfactory. I could wish Ihaia's case was clearer and fear that He and his party have more inclination for war than for peace. I remain, etc. (Signed) Thos.Skinner Mr. H. Halse