Taranaki. 12th. August. 1846. Dear Sir, I had intended having the pleasure of writing you by the last ''Carbon'' to acquaint you with what was passing at this settlement; but was, at the time of her sailing, engaged with the Waikatos, 400 of whom were on a visit to the tribes of this District. Their arrival here caused a large collection of various other natives; so that our settlement was completely surrounded by upwards of 1,000 of them for several weeks. Amongst them I recognised many of Taonui's followers, who you so successfully dispersed from Wanganui in January 1845; and no doubt they still feel the check then put to their pilfering, as fortunately there was no repetition of it at this place, though I was under considerable fear there should, and used every precaution for its prevention; for which the services of our small Police force were most opportune. They were well received by the natives here; who supplied them with several tons of flour during their stay. I have not lately heard from the Chief that has troubled us so much with the ''Tapu'', which fortunately is not in existence at present, though I hear there is a messenger now on his way with a letter from him respecting it, the purport of which, if it affects us at all, shall be forwarded to you when I receive it. With the tribes along the line of coast towards Wanganui, I am in weekly communication; and am glad to find