My dear Sir, I have no native news to communicate by this post, beyond the fact of Tamati te I to having visited Katatore last week for the purpose of inducing him to return to his former tikanga pakeke, but I am glad to say without success. These frequent attempts to turn Katatore, hew the importance of keeping him to his promise and Parris is aware of this. Ihaia is getting uneasy and wishes to sweep away all opposition to the Wakangerengere boundary in order as he says that the whole of the land may be sold. The Waitara question is to be again discussed after Christmas and from the manner in which our friends there are conducting that subject, I am inclined to hope well of it. The native prisoners Hetiriki and Pene, having served their full time, were liberated on Friday last. With the exception of the little waka, on the part of Pene, their conduct was good throughout their imprisonment. Last weeks o.m. left this a day earlier and was unknown to me, until the evening. Wishing you the compliments of the season, I remain, My dear sir, Faithfully yours, H.Halse 21 Decr./57 To:- McLean Esq.