New Plymouth Nov.24, 1856 My dear Sir, Nothing decisive has been done by the natives with regard to the peace question. Nikorima and Ihaia hold out more from a feeling of honor than anything else and must I imagine shortly yield to the general wish. Roka returned to the Awe taane at an early hour on the 19th having left her son at the Kaipakopako, where it is understood that he will remain until peace is established. Friend Waka talks of paying you a visit by the steamer for the purpose of laying his grievances before you. The first has reference to the reserve at Pukenui which you will remember underwent or was to undergo some alteration on the giving and taking system with a view of squaring the boundaries at the request of the natives. Waka agreed to the proposed alteration which was favorable to the natives. A claim however has been recently made by Hone Wetere to a portion of the old reserve which was to have been excluded in consideration of a better and larger piece of land being added to the N.E. boundary of the reserve, which Hohua had fenced and partly cultivated. Poor Waka was grievously scolded by Hone Wetere for agreeing to the proposed arrangement and all the natives concerned or interested in the reserve were there assembled. I walked down and soon found what Hone wanted and that was an equal quantity of land on the Devon Road of whom would have been down upon me for compensation had Hone succeeded. I at once went and explained the whole affair to the pt. who directed me to make the following proposition to them. That and that the land which had been proposed to add to it, be accepted by the natives as compensation for Lemon Street to be thrown open to its full extent. Vide, tracing. Hone Wetere was at once silenced and friend Waka breathed freely for the first time during the last 24 hours. It happened fortunately that Lemon St. formed a portion of the reserve belonging to Waka, who soon complied with the advantageous proposal and promised to name a day for the surveyor to mark out the street in question. Thus ended a dispute which but for seasonable inquiry and speedy arrangement, promised to terminate disastrously to the natives concerned. Lemon St. which is to be thrown open will be of infinitely more benefit to the natives than to Europeans and this was seen by them at the time - indeed it has never been my good fortune to make so desirable a a proposition to them on any previous occasion in such matters. The effect that the proposition had upon Hone Wetere and his supporters was well worth witnessing and may not again occur. The second and I believe last, has reference to his appointment as an assessor in conjunction with Hone Utuhia, without salary. I have reminded him that his services have not been overlooked and although no fixed salary has been attached to his name yet in reality as much if not more has been done for him as for several other assessors - His mind is evidently bent upon partaking of the and if you can do anything for him and Hone Utuhia I shall be very glad as I believe them to be deserving men. Hoera is willing to accept the appointment of Interpreter to the R. M.'s Court - I had intended to have suggested £50 for him per annum but as Mr.Shortland is of opinion that half that amount would be better, lest the lad should suddenly become too independent and go wrong - his expenses being defrayed by Mr.Sharland - I feel that I must not exceed that amount viz. £25 per annum, at the same time I am aware of the difficulty in getting an increase when so low a scale is adopted. On Friday last Waitara natives reported that the coast from Mokau to Waitara was strewn with candles and that 2 casks of beer had been washed on shore at Tongaparutu. The northern postman came in shortly afterwards and confirmed the report with the additional information that beer casks (started) candles and a small mast had been cast on shore at Kawhia lately. The "Eliezer" arrived on the following morng. 12 days out and removed much anxiety as it was known that a portion of her cargo was of a corresponding description. The Bishop told Mr.Govett that he saw a quantity of candles and beer casks off Waikanae and it is singular that the same kind of goods should have been seen at Kawhia - a few candles have been recently picked up on the beh between the Huataki and Henui rivers and also on the beach at the Bell Block - they are composition and appear of good quality. Mr.Turton and family leave for Kawhia in the 'Eliezer' about Wednesday next. Dr.Wilson has been appointed to the 65th in place of Dr.White who is leaving for the Bay of Islands. Mrs. Wilson is expecting you to take your Christmas dinner with her and as she has not been in very high spirits of late, rejoice her good heart if you can. Messrs.Whiteley and Ironside purpose visiting Auckland by this opportunity, so any news I may have omitted you will have through them. The enclosed receipt found quite accidentally by Ritchie may be of use to you although I am under the impression that another was obtained and forwarded to you some time ago - Hoping you are well Believe me Faithfully yours H. Halse May 26 To:- McLean Esq. P. S. I have not received any official information about my future employment although 2 opportunities (one overland the other by the 'Eliezer' which came north about) have offered since the steamer left Manukao. Every one is looking out for the forthcoming election - Flight I understand gives it up as the people object to the junction of offices and he is much too sensible to throw up a certainty for an uncertainty - Cutfield is now the man - his friends are making his return a dead certainty and the greatest dismay prevails amongst a certain few who it is expected will endeavour through Richmond to prevent a dissolution, their last and only hope. The Editor of the Herald is trying to get people to sign a document for the purpose of keeping the Superintendent in until July next. Mr. Turton sails this evg. for Kawhia. H.H.