New Plymouth 9th Augt./54 My dear Sir, Your official letter of the 14th July approving of the arrangement with Mr. Cooper I received for which I can offer you only my best thanks. The survey of the Hua district has been carried on with spirit notwithstanding the inclement season, to the very day of the massacre of poor Rawiri and his followers by Katatori and his crew. As you are already in possession of of the full particulars of this sad affair I shall say nothing on the subject. The land in dispute will most probably become ours the sooner but we could better afford to wait longer, than that the lives of those enlisted in our cause should be sacrificed. The Mokau natives make an occasional descent upon me, I am in frequent communication with them on the subject of land, they have been led to believe I should return when the cultivations are finished, and your letter tells me'tis yours intention to send me there in due course. I have no reason to apprehend the recent murder here will in any way affect the Mokau question. I intend sending to you two a/cs in printed forms for presents at Mokau. One for Takeriis sister and the other for Rawiri Tiki Pote's relation I have purchased the articles and settled the a/cs. It is not at all material that you should you yourself trouble about these now, as I am in no hurry for the money. It is expected that you will pay us another visit when you receive the news of the late occurrence. The Hua natives and relatives of the dead are no moderate believing the Govt. will take up Rawiri's cause and I fear unless they are met in some way, the English law will fall in their esteem. William King on whom Katatori depended for aid has declined assisting him except he is attacked by soldiers and even then I doubt if he would join him. Katatori is therefore completely foiled in every way, but for W. K. we might have another story to tell. I am my Dear Sir, faithfully yours, John Rogan.