New Plymouth Feby. 12, 1859 My dear sir, On Monday last a party of Waikato natives about 25 in number, headed by Waitere, whose principal place of abode was Te Ranga, arrived at Waitara, visited the Waiwakaiho pa on Tuesday, and on Wednesday passed through the Town on their way to Ngatiruanui. They are supporters of the Maori King and are on a travelling expedition for the purpose of ascertaining their strength, and from remarks made appeared to consider Wi Tako, of Wellington, as one of their number - they spoke triumphantly of having exacted Land taxes from European residents at Kawhia, which was accomplished by planting a flag on the land, after which the English were told that as the land belonged to Potatau, a tax was demanded for his support, and in some instances given (most likely by traders from interested motives) one man, with a family of half castes, refused to give anything, had his house scuttled by a mob who declared their intention to remove the goods to English territory beyond Aotea, but the cries of the children on seeing their fathers property forcibly taken, caused them to relent, and the property was returned to the house. These men report that a large body of Waikatos may be looked for shortly to reconcile W. Kingi and Ihaia, and that if Kingi refuses to comply, an attack will be immediately made upon him - so completely do our natives believe this, that many are now at Waitara visiting Kingi, and should there be any truth in the report, they say they will fight them. Waka's visit to Ngatiruanui resulted in his party pulling hand and glove with these land withholders, several of whom are now here to be followed by others as a crying party over poor Hone's remains. I expect Parris back all this week. Faithfully yours, H. Halse Feb. 14. 'White Swan' arrived early this morning and I am going to see if there are any passengers. H. H. I enclose envelope of Henere Puni's letter to explain the date - he evidently kept the letter a long time before posting.