New Plymouth January 6th. 1857. Dear Sir, The Meeting of the 28th. of last month, about Mangati generally, and Putatutonga particularly, ended in a manner I was not at all prepared for; after the repeated assurances and professions to me by Te Toheroa. Such, however, appears to me to be the native character, and however favourable an absentee may be to you, when here, he soons becomes contaminated by the disaffected, and joins them with heart and hand, against the white faced tribe. The more I see of the native character, the clearer is the conviction that the long-talked-of amalgamation and civilization is not likely to take place during the time of any one now living; and I question very much if it will take place at all. The labours of the Church - and I speak of all sects, as well as the labours of the local Government seem to be completely thrown away in New Plymouth, and I was sorry to hear the other day from Mr. Woon, that the natives throughout the Island, are decidedly retrograding. There can be no doubt whatever that we are living in the midst of a lawless population; at all times ready to take advantage of our weakness, and only deterred from committing excesses, by receiving all their demands. Parata's speech was particularly insolent and overbearing, but of course it would not do to let him see that I attached any importance to it. My brother, who was present, and who has been treating the same native with foolish liberality, was inwardly dissgusted with his tone and attitude; and I believe, left the ground with altered views towards the whole of them. The Meeting appeared to me to be got up for the purpose of seeing what the soft and tame white man would concede; and when it was discovered that nothing was either promised, or forthcoming, an attempt was made for a grant of 2 pipes, which were likewise refused; indeed they did not receive the value of a penny. The season, thus far, has been a busy one, and I have had my hands full; which, by the way, is nothing new. But the amount of drunkenness here is positevely dreadful. Recent immigration has materially increased the town duty, which now requires several efficient men to preserve order. I am dear Sir (Signed) H. Halse. To: D. McLean Esq. Inspector of Police.