Tokatoka, 8th. April 1857. My dear Sir, I sent a message to the Natives when I wrote to you last which has had the desired effect, a party of labourers accompanied by Messrs. McCabe and Bacol are now on their way to Manganui to complete if possible the survey of that river as far as Mr. Buchanan's line. Mr. Fenton has gone this morning with 2 half castes and an European to complete his survey, so that the work is again progressing. Subsequently to the payment for Tatarariki a small party of Native living near Mangawhare (about 20 men, women and children) have been somewhat troublesome in consequence of not having received a sufficient sum for their claims --- £5 was sent to them which was returned. I was informed that they had written to you for £150 in the expectation of getting £50 which they understood remained to be paid. Manukau and I called at the settlement and after a considerable time it was arranged between themselves that the money for a small piece of land which is not included in the Tatarariki survey lying between that and Forsaith's claim should be handed to the dissatisfied party which settlednthe matter satisfactorily. I am now waiting for a party of natives from Hukatere and shall proceed inland for the purpose of making a report on the Matakahi block which is the only portion of the large block likely to be completed this Season. There are several small detached blocks of land offered or talked of by the Natives that I am rather dubious about surveying as they will most likely be objected to by the Government. I shall feel obliged if you will be good enough to say whether the survey of these small blocks, under the circumstances, is to be proceeded with or not. In the event of your wishing me to proceed with the Kaihu survey which Paiore is becoming anxious for, perhaps you will have sent to me a short official letter to that effect because I can then enter on the question without hesitation should thissurvey fail. There are one or two places at the head of Otaimatea near Mr. Graham's claim offered by the Natives, which appears to me desirable to purchase as the land is said to be good and its position alone will make it far more valuable than the land now in course of survey, large ships can go up that arm of the Kaipara in safety and it is within a few miles of Mangawai, and it is probable that a township will eventually be formed in that neighbourhood. The Natives throughout the district are all busily employed at their various occupations and Paikeas party are likely to go to Auckland in the space of a month to visit friends, Manukau will probably accompany me to town in the course of a few weeks for the purpose of arranging the payment of his land at the back of Tokatoka. I remain my dear Sir, Yours very truly J. Rogan. D. McLean Esq