Matakatea is in Town and I'm going to see him. H. H. New Plymouth 21 January, 1858 My dear Sir, The reasons given in Ihaia's letter, a copy of which I enclose, his jealousy of the Ikamoana, and the circums tance of Katatore's natives having been promised £10 by the Provincial Govt. at the suggestion of Mr. Parris, for cutting down the Scotch thistle in the neighbourhood, of Tarurutangi, and the assault an old Meri Paria, by Tupoki, may account for Katatore's death. When Ihaia offered Ikamoana to the Government, I understand that Katatore made use of these words ''ekore e pakaru tona upoko, he upoko rino'', they probably had this in mind when they battered in the back of his head with their guns. I should explain that Mr. Parris' sole reason for paying the natives for cutting the thistle was, that the land was offered by them, and that it would be so much the worse when we got it by allowing them to seed. At the time the natives were thus employed, Ihaia was in the bush close by getting firewood, and instantly jumped to the conclusion that Katatore was opposed to his proceedings. The Hauhe Tame pa is now the gathering point for a rare mixture of natives - side by side may be seen some of the relatives of Rawiri ma and their murderers, forgetful apparently of that black occurrence, and resolved for vengeance on Ihaia and Nikorima. They advanced yesterday about 80 in number and fired at the Ikamoana pa, almost with impunity, Ihaia remained close and only fired a few shots -This child's play may be resumed this day and so on, until their ammunition is short - then they will come crying to the settlers for more. At present thereis no probability that Taranaki will meddle in this matter, at the same time there is a general feeling of indignation chiefly agst Kirikumara, for the manner in which Katatore was killed, a feeling that will assuredly be echoed amongst the Ngatiruanui natives. Tamati te Ito, who is taking an active part agst Ihaia, has just come into Town and reports that nothing will be done this day. Faithfully yours, H. Halse Private To:- McLean Esq.