Mangawharo, 1st Feb., 1859. My Dear Sir, As Mr.Atkins is thinking of paying a visit to Auckland with Parone. I avail myself of the opportunity of sending a line in the belief that you are still in the office. I delivered the letter for Paikea to W.Tipene who intends to call that party together and they are certain to respond to the Governor's request to meet at Auckland - Tirarau who arrived yesterday evening with his party, all armed, contrary to my opinion has accepted the Governor's invitation to meet the opposite party. He told me himself some time ago that one whakawakawa was sufficient and so on. He is a queer character and as to his giving way in any particular to Paikea in regard to the land in dispute that seems out of the question. So far from anything conciliatory coming from him, he has in reply to a letter written by W. Tipene, sent verbal messages (he would not condescend to reply by letter) of the most sneering bitter and ironical character. The timber felling is going on as usual, and as this is the great bone of contention between the parties and Hirohau do not come soon to prevent it. Why there is an end of the matter and I half suspect that there is more bounce than real intention on the part of my friends down the river, but there is no mistaking the opposite party as they are quite prepared for any emergency. However you will see Atkins who will enlighten you on all these matters as well as on others of a more personal nature such as 'Name' etc. I am in clover as regards accommodation but am disappointed as regards my intention in this place in consequence of a native who is absent and I am afraid to pay the money until he comes as the surveyor has included the land of another party in the survey and the only way that I see to meet the difficulty is to have all the claimants together and make one cession of the whole block. I apprehend no difficulty but I get fidgety when hanging about a mans place doing nothing - I have however been well occupied with the two chiefs who have bored me with their views of the Wairoa question which I am tired of by this time - The Isabella Hamilton is in here for spars on Waltons account and in consequence of a quarrel he W. had with he is placed in a very awkward position as he can get no assistance in the shape of labour not even are the Natives allowed to sell him potatoes or go near his store, so much for living under despotic rule - I have no news for you whatever as Akino is the only placel have been to since I left you on the wharf, but I quite expect that you will write a line to me directed to Whangarei where I hope to be at the end of this or the beginning of next week. I presume by the-time this shall have reached you you will have parted with the ladies - Tirarau tells me that I shall (page torn) settle Patana for the sum offered by Johnson, but we shall see when I get over. Faithfully Yours, John Rogan.