Waiuku 21 Dec./60 My dear sir, Waata Kukutai arrived here yesterday evening for the purpose of learning Katipas tikanga. At a meeting held this morning, Katipa spoke well and apparently with much truthfulness. He expressed his intention to take care of the Pakehas without assistance from the military -- in fact he went so far as to say that should his friend the Governor wish to station soldiers at Waiuku, he should object -- this appeared to meet with, the approval of the meeting, but whether Katipa is thinking about the loaves and fishes served out to him by Mr. Shepherd, I am at present unable to say -- one thing however is certain, the retention of this Chief and his people inspires a degree of confidence amongst the settlers here, they would not otherwise enjoy. Much was said about Ngatihaua persisting in going to Taranaki to see for their tamarikis who followed Wetini, and with him died, the conclusion arrived at was that in the event of any calamity overtaking them, it would serve them right seeing they had no business there. After looking about here a little, I intend to cross the Waikato and visit all the principal villages. Wishing you a merry Christmas Believe me Faithfully yours H. Halse