New Plymouth 16th. March 1857. My dear Sir, The enclosed letters from Ihaia and Katatore are so important that I feel some diffidence in venturing an opinion upon them. It is clear that the Ikamoana was given to Nikorima by Karipa, Haeana and others when in trouble. According to native usage the title or claim appears to be good, and I am glad to say that in this opinion Mr. Whiteley fully concurs. Should the claim be rejected Nikorima and Ihaia express a determination to retain possession of the Ikamoana and to abandon their intention of offering other lands to the Govt. Katatore not being strong enough to prevent Nikorima and Ihaia cultivating the Ikamoana, gives out that there can be no objection to their doing so, forgetful apparently of the incessant attacks he but lately made upon the natives for cultivating any portion of the land. I believe he cannot reconcile himself to the sale of any portion of the land emanating with any one but himself and remembering the impunity with which he shot Rawiri, thinks perhaps he must shoot others again, but whether he would supported is doubtful. The Ngatiruanuis might come again, but this is very improbable. Although the signatures attached to Ihaia's letter are few, they are important ones, and represent many, more however will be sent in I hope before the steamer arrives to give the document more weight as regards numbers. The present names were signed by proxy which you are aware is customary with the natives. I think the time has now arrived for us to move and so prevent such men as Wiremu Kingi and Katatore obtaining the support of wavering natives by purchasing Nikorima's interest in the Ikamoana without predjudice to Katatore, to Karipa and the other natives who gave the land (certainly their interest) to Nikorima. In this way I think the difficulty may be overcome and the way paved to the purchase of land from the natives now opposed to it. I shall be anxious to receive your instructions upon this matter. Mr. Cutfield desired me to ask you if you would be kind enough to return Ihaia's letter in original. Faithfully yours, H. Halse. To:- McLean Esq. P.S. Stockman is very zealous in this Tikanga of Ihaia's and would be an acquisition if attached to the office here temporarily. Tuesday, 17. W. Kingi and Katatore visited the Hane taone yesty and are now at the Hua - they intend passing the night at the Raeiomiti and coming into Town tomorrow. Katatore's flag is flying at Wharepu. I am doubled up with rheumatism and can scarcely hold my pen - got over heated at a dance and unconscientiously sat in a draught.