New Plymouth, Sep.28 /57 My dear Sir, Notwithstanding the many jealousies and changes amongst the Puketapu natives, consequent on Katatore's offer, I am glad to say that he remains firm and will I believe do good service, provided he can have everything his own way. The Ninia natives are difficult to manage owing to their unlucky position - they neither know what to do, nor which way to turn, consequently, promises made to day are broken tomorrow, and naturally perplex Parris in his endeavours to bring about a proper feeling amongst them all. I am however not without hopes that a knowledge of a few bags of money will simplify matters and enable Parris to bring the present negociation to a successful conclusion. The natives are rather disinclined to supply statistical information and attribute the movement (they are aware that similar information is being collected over the country) to the Maori King affair, which generally leads to a discussion, from which I gather that it was an attempt to get up a general 'League' against further sales of land, and to adopt measures against the Government, if thought proper to do so. The natives here appear decidedly opposed, to it, and I hear that the flag bearer 'Potatau Kingi o Mutireni', though accompanied by the Rangiawhia priest, was sent back by Hikaka, and not allowed to come down the Mokau river. I also hear that the Waikau and Kawhia natives are favotable to the movement and talk of retiring inland when the "runanga" commences operations. They may as well save themselves further trouble for the whole affair will come to nothing. A case of crim. con. came to light last week between Pita, of the kamoana, and Kirikurnara's wife, causing quite a ferment in that pa, which I am glad to say soon settled down, with the forfeiture of Pita's horse and gun and his departure for Tirangi. Ihaia demands the surrender of Pita's land there in addition, and is supported by Ngatirahiri. Wi Kingi is the only person opposed to the land being thrown in, lest Ihaia should get a footing there and eventually drag it into the sea. Ihaia was plundered of 19 guns 10 pouches 4 horses 2 topuni's and several articles of clothing. The horses and most of the guns he says will be returned. On the night of Thursday last between 11 and 12 two Mokau natives were caught attempting to steal turkeys from the Standish's farm, looked up and on the following day sentenced to 3 months imprisonment with hard labour. I must tell you that during the last 2 months, a number of turkeys, ducks, fowls and 2 geese have been missing from various farms - in some cases plucked right in the direction of a neighbours house. It has since appeared that several Mokau natives have been employed on Mr.W. Baylys farm near the Grey Institution for the last 3 months, and it is in and around that locality where poultry has been missing. It rarely happens that Mokau natives come into Town without helping themselves to something and it was with a view of checking such practices that the recent example was made. Faithfully yours H.Halse To:- McLean Esq. No "Dinapore" yet. The "Henry" is in from Nelson and another schooner which we hope is the "Harry" beating in agst. a South Easter. I have written to Mr.Schnackenberg by today's post about the 2 Mokau natives to guard agst. misrepresentation. Latimers black and white dog was shot from old age, before he left the Colony - Cap.Marsh has one of the same breed, the picture of Triton, so I called this mng., but Marsh told me that he had promised him. He did not say to whom and I did not ask but I shall try him again. Marsh told me that there is another of the same breed at Whanganui belonging to a person of the name of Fox.