New Plymouth Jan. 5. 1857. My dear Sir, I received your letters on Friday last after the Steamer was away and beg to thank you for the increase of £50 to my salary. Circumstanced as I am it is better for me to be here than elsewhere. While I think of it I wish to draw your attention to Cutfield's hobby about taxing carts for the repairs of roads, a very good measure no doubt if it could be put into effect against the natives, but believing that it cannot I fancy it would be much better to leave it alone for some time to come at all events as the natives would be certain to meet us by putting up toll gates on their lands. The Kaipakopako natives have recently erected a strong stockade close to their pas and now impound all cattle running in the Mangoraka district and charge 5/- a head for every day or part of a day. Several Europeans who had cattle running there have been obliged to pay the charge which after all is little enough in comparison with the fine which the R.M. would be obliged to inflict if the natives would or could furnish the necessary information. As it is, the system now adopted by these natives promises speedily to put an end to an everlasting source of complaint. There is no attempt made to disguise the matter as you will see from the following copy of a receipt brought to me by a recent settler who bought the cattle of Mr. Hulke when running on native lands, in ignorance of its illegality - at least so he says. Hanuere 2, 1857. Karona (Mr. Collins) Mo nga kau e wa i roto i te Pauna, e wa nga ra £4.0.0 (signed) Ko Tamihana. Mr. Tamihana makes short work of it, pay the charge or not as you please, we have decided upon putting a stop to this tikanga whakararuraru, but understand if you do not, here the cattle shall remain until they die. Of course if a beast is worth anything the charges are paid as was the case with Mr. Collins. It is however causing ill blood among natives who claim an equal right to the land the cattle are on. No sooner is there a prospect of peace than a new source of vexation arises. May I trouble you to tell Rogan that the sketch map of Awakino with the additions required by him has been posted but was too late for the steamer. Hoping you are well, Believe me, My dear Sir, faithfully yours H. Halse. To:- McLean Esq. note: I propose forwarding monthly reports from the 1st. instant subject to your approval. H. H.