Mokau, Jan. 8/55. My dear Sir, This day week viz: New Years day, the second block was paid for, and I shd. have written, but when the postman came Rogan had more than he could manage, so I took copies for him of all th letters that I written to you for the Natives. Indeed I hardly know what to write but what you already know. I had the pleasure of complimenting the Natives at Awakino for their good conduct. The "Deed" was read, signed, the money paid and divided with less trouble and noise, than is sometimes the case about the purchase of a pig. R. is now there again to look at the 3rd block. At Waihawau there is some opposition, but I consider it a very weak one. Hone Ropiha has been here and wished me to inform you that he objected to the "tihanga o Timoti and Rawenata", and to their taking money at Auckland or elsewhere. We are expecting Kuri down, when we shall have "Komitis", I suppose. I hardly know what to say about "Poutama", but as you have letters from all the Natives here you will be able to judge. My opinion is that old Hihaha is for getting all he can for land southward. I will watch their Komitis and let you know. Indeed I see and write the letters for all parties, for though I am and profess to be on the selling side, I consider it the wisest plan not to offend the opposition by imprudent zeal on behalf of the landsale, being in hopes that Kaha ma will yet "tahuri", and the other party, by offering at least one side of the Mokau. The little difficulty about the Mahoe is not yet settled. R. is afraid to enter such questions, unless they take the £100 and give up "nga wahi paheke" too. I am not afraid of Te Waru and Tamihana, because they say, "mau ano te whenua, engari ehore mawa e pai ki nga pauna etoru", but I dont like delay because in future we may not be able to get it as a Grant from Government. There is another thing I would name. I am thinking of writing to some of my friends in Germany and tell them about Awakino. I dont know that they would come, but in a letter just received I read that a whole family have gone to New Orleans --- to the Missouri State --- I would rather that my relations should come here than go there. My eldest Brother alone --- who is 12 years older than I, has a family of 8 from 10 to 25 yrs. of age. A sister has seven, somewhat younger. Between them they have two freehold farms which will fall to the lot of the eldest sons, and all the rest must either marry farmers, or look for something else, perhaps emigrate. If they came here, I believe they would turn the bush into nice farms, become wealthy, and promote the general welfare. Will you therefore let me know in a few lines if you can spare time, 1. When may Awakino be offered for sale? 2. Will any land be to such a body of settlers as I have named? --- I have been told that a certain number of acres will be given to a certain class of persons for every £100 expended as passage money. 3. Or supposing they went to London, could they claim any other help or privillage from either the Home or Colonial Government? 4. Supposing any or all should arrive in N. Z. before Awakino is sold, could they live on Govt. land, and at how much? I forgot to say they are farmers of plain education, born in the same village and house, and educated in the same school as myself --- (postman here) With Mrs. S. respects, I remain, My dear Sir, Faithfully yours, C. H. Schnackenberg. D. McLean, Esq.