Taranaki Aug. 25th, 1854 My dear Sir, It was provoking with a Steamer off the place bound to Manukao the opportunity of communicating with the seat of Government was not afforded us during a critical state of affairs. On the 10th she arrived here from the South and letters were at once posted upon the subject of the late slaughter, but greatly to our annoyance she passed on without waiting for the return of the boat which boarded her accidentally on her way to the 'Cashmere'. On the 17th we had another flying visit from her when she landed a mail and sailed for Nelson, again without further communication with the shore. We find that the only information of our disturbed state had reached you through the 'Herald', a copy of which found its way on board the steamer. I can only add that we did all in our power to put you in possession of the full particulars. The Captain must be held greatly to blame in the matter since he knew from Watson who boarded him, that we were in difficulties if not danger. Fortunately nothing has occurred since I last wrote to you but it is impossible to foretell what a day may bring forth. Our natives are arming while we are defenceless and I hope you are in favor of placing a protective force here particularly as the natives constantly express themselves in favor of it. There was a time when it would have been imprudent to have done so and I know that troops now would be welcomed by the natives and may prevent other disasters to the place. Hone Ropiha calls loudly for troops and declares his conviction that when the mischief is done, they will be sent. It will occur to you that Henere te Ware and his pakeke band will likely enough follow the example set them by Rawiri's murderers, and so it may go on till it becomes a common occurrence - under such circumstances can the whites come out scatheless? There is only one really serviceable firelock in the place - ammunition there is none save a few rounds belonging to the Police Department -all this is known to the natives who may at any hour take advantage of our position. The latest information is that so soon as our natives recover from the measles an attack upon Katatore is to take place. I very much doubt it. I am glad to hear that authority has been received to pay the Assessors and hope you get Raniera appointed as soon as possible. If it is intended to fill up the vacancies in the original list would it not be expedient to do so with as little delay as possible without regard to the present scale which continues to give rise to much jealousy and dissatisfaction which might be avoided by placing them all on an equality - Such a course would entail further expense but it would be money well spent - On the other hand you might appoint less, say two or three at £20 each which would enable you to increase the salaries of Tahana, Ihaia and Kukutai to £20 each - any arrangement however with regard to equality would be I believe desirable in this all important service. Pray do not forget friend Waka. I am sorry to say that Neha Marangai (R. Brown's former servant) whose thigh was fractured in the murderous attack of the 3rd instant, is dying - The poor fellow being consumptive would have died probably in a year or two, but that cruel shot will deprive the disease of its victim - Believe me, Faithfully yours, H. Halse We suppose our Superintendent has left Auckland.