Letter from H. Halse, Taranaki to Donald McLean Esq. dated 12th. January 1856. New Plymouth 12th. January 1856 My dear Sir, I have nothing to report upon the Native question since I last wrote to you. On the 4th. inst., Major Thompson and 100 rank and file of the 58th. left in the Brig "Ocean", for Auckland. Lieutenant Cross and 50 men remain for the present, under the command of Major Murray. On the 9th. a party of the Ngatiruanui natives, about 100 strong, headed by Te Rei te Wanatana, arrived at the Poutoko, armed. They were accompanied by about 50 Taranaki natives, unarmed. The object of this visit is to induce the Taranaki to instruct Okurukuru to their care, lest that boundary should fall into the hands of the white man. It would appear from this, that that stupid tribe begins to feel uneasy about the stability of the league, because they know perfectly well that Europeans would not be suffered to encroach. I believe the Tupuae natives to be as impracticable in their land question as any natives in this country. Mr. Chilman is anxious to hear from me the fate of the 5 acres of land claimed by Waitana, adjoining his Reserve at the Henui. The land in question has been let by Chilman to Muggridge, and as the latter cannot get possession, refuses to pay rent for it. My letter, with all particulars upon this matter, may not have reached you. I don't know where this will find you, because I hope soon to see you here in the steamer. Faithfully yours (Signed) H. Halse To:- Donald McLean