Letter from John Rogan, to Donald McLean, dated 30th. May 1854. New Plymouth 30th. May 1854. My dear Sir I arrived last night, wet, and famished, with fatigue and hunger, Called at Whare-pu for a moment, and had a little brandy, which nearly settled me. I know nothing whatever of the Taranaki news. Indeed, there is much more to do about Mokau, than is possible for me to accomplish now; as the mail will leave soon. I left Mokau well pleased with myself; and received your very handsome official letter, which I think very highly of indeed; and which more than compensates me, of itself, for my exertions at that place. I predicted to the natives your answer about the money. Your answer was well received, and the natives are perfectly satisfied. I have been up the Awakino to the boundary of the late offer, about 12 miles from the mouth, by the course of the river. There are two boundaries yet to traverse, which must be left for the summer. As far as I have yet seen, the country is very inferior. Amongst other things I said to Takiu that my words to you about the land should be, - - which prepares him for the future (payment). I beg to thank you for authorising me to charge to the Public, the present to Mupeka. The good that this will do me in the Interior, you know well, I have much to say to you about the Interior, which will form a subject of another letter. Te Wetini is in town; and nearly all the Mokauites, spending their money respectably in horses and cattle, and not in trash, which I am glad to see. I shall have to hold a little levy when I recover a little. My dear Sir, - there is one thing which I fear will seriously affect Mokau. Takini's son is supposed to be lost in the recent gale. He was under your protection. The superstitious say it's a judgment, etc., Your letter arrived in good time. I interpreted the words which referred to the boy Te Takiu; who, with tears in his eyes, said his heart was light at what you had written; and although he believed that the boy was lost, he would not attach blame to you. I sincerely hope the boy will turn up, for the sake of his friends. I have just received your Official letter, dated 27th. May, about the Hua surveys. I believe they are completed. I am sorry to be compelled to leave off here, I am, yours etc., (Signed) J. Rogan.