Monday 9 November 57 My dear Sir, A Waikato native named Heruini, son of Te Keha, arrived at the Ikamoana pa last Tuesday, where Mr.Parris and I met him. He told us that he belonged to the Rev. Mr. Maunsell and had come here to ascertain the views of the natives on the Maori King movement. He added that Waikato, of which Potatau is the Chief, was opposed to it, and that other tribes were favoring it, and had already collected £1000. The subject is seldom mentioned by our natives who are opposed to it, but it is likely that Taranaki and Ngatiruanui are for it, as a chief object is to form a general league against the sale of land. Several attempts have been made from the South to turn Katatore, the last of which was fortunately discovered in a letter bearing the signature of Tamati te Ito, but strongly resembling Te Ngahuru's hand writing. The latter himself brought me the letter and not feeling altogether satisfied with his manner, I opened the letter in Mr.Parris' presence and found that it contained an appeal to Katatore, to induce him not to sell land, or to receive money for the land he has offered to the Government. I afterwards took an opportunity of asking Te Ngahuru if the letter was about the Kaingarara business, he replied, "ae, mo te kai ngurara, otira he pukapuka aroha kia te Waitere". In order that there might be no mistake, I asked if there was any other kupu in the letter, he replied "Kahore, heoiano koia tena, kua kite ahau". This betrays Tamati and I am sorry for it for reasons that will readily occur to you. I should also tell you that Te Ngahuru is taking too active a part in endeavouring to obtain authority for te Ito to root up Puke Ariki, The natives not feeling quite secure to do so there on their own responsibility. I think I have already told you that the Superintendent will neither sanction nor oppose the proceeding, and the same has been communicated by me to Tamati te . Mr.Parris expects an answer from Ngatiruanui next post and I hope it will be favorable as the longer this block is kept open, the more troublesome it becomes. Faithfully yours, H. Halse To:- McLean Esq. P. S. Te Ngahuru brought the enclosed to me this mng. After reading them I told him that I had heard of the contents of Tamati te Ito's letter to Katatore. He asked me to tell him, I answered, you know what the letter is about, you said you had seen it. He replied, no, I told you I had not seen it, and that my impression was that it was about the "kai ngarara" and "aroha kia te Waitere". After this, I went into the subject of the letter "Katahi au ka mohio" said Te Ngahuru. "Kua whakane ranei a te Waitere"? No, I said, he will not go back to the opposition. "E hai ana" said Te Ngahuru and our conversation ended. I am not satisfied and shall endeavour to ascertain his real tikanga. H.H. Mahau is careful in speaking of the Wakangerengere, but I think the point will be carried notwithstanding. Parris left for Tapuae this morning.