25 Jan. 1858 (?) Thy. Morning. My dear Sir, Time will not allow me to run off a translation of Hone's letter, therefore I trust you will not be displeased. The allusion to a probability of the settlers becoming mixed up in the quarrel got amongst the Natives after a full meeting of Magistrates to consider Ihaia's letter addressed to the Governor, which occasioned immense excitement amongst all classes here. I should tell you that the substance of that letter became known, as I suppose through some of Ihaia's friend in correspondence with him and looking to the apparent urgency of Ihaia's case, I considered it proper to furnish Mr. Cutfield with a translation of the document, as an answer from the post could not be calculated upon under a month, in the meantime every living being in the Karaka pa might have been cruelly and barbarously murdered. Mr. Cutfield thought proper to shew the translation to the R.M. who at once convened the meeting already alluded to, which had decided (so I am privately informed) on immediate measures for Ihaia's relief, but the result of my interview with him induced the meeting to adjourn until Ihaia agreed to an unconditional surrender. Mr. Whiteley has since furnished me with his Interpretation of the letter as understood by the natives, a copy of which shall be forwarded to you by earliest oppy. Faithfully yours, H. Halse. To: D. McLean Esq.