Raglan January 10, 1872 To the Honourable The Native Minister My dear Sir, If I may judge from appearances, a change for the better in native affairs has been going on for some months past. Kupapas who had been drawn away by runangas, idleness, intemperance, and gambling - as also many kingite hau haus are returning to a profession of Christianity. This change is more of political than religious importance, but as far as it goes it is for the better. Another thing is the natives seem to find out the advantages of schools for their children. Both at Waipa and at Aotea the number of pupils have increased during the past quarter, and I am now urged to establish a school at once at Waitatuna - about half way between this and Waipa. Many years ago our natives gave 500 acres of land to the Rev. Mr. Wallis for native school. Some 3 years ago I made an attempt to obtain a Crown title for it, as I had an impression our natives would ere long, leave the township and settle there. Mr. Mackey informed me that only 150 acres would be allowed which I might select. I did so and the late Mr. Todd surveyed the land. But afterwards Mr. Mackey informed me that the Government would not allow any claim. Hakopa Te Kotuku (who is a native assessor and one of those who gave the land to Mr. Wallis as a school endowment) now calls upon me to erect a school there i.e. on the Eastern bank of the river Waitatuna, near the road to Waipa. Would you be kind enough to send me a few lines in reply to the following questions, viz. 1. Will the government allow the claim of the Wesleyan Missionary Society to the 500 acres (or any part of it) given by Whaingaroa natives for School purposes? - and if so - assist us in the erection of a native school? 2. Or if it be now too late, and you cannot put us in possession of the land on the East bank of the river, will you help me to establish forthwith a school for natives on the West bank of the Waitatuna, where Hakopa ma have reserves and have just gone to settle - 3. To what extent, and on what conditions, are you willing to help us in this matter. Mr. Moore is at present Teacher of an English School near Raglan - but another teacher may be procured for that - and I think Mr. Moore (who is well qualified, and has a missionary spirit) may return to Aotea, or perhaps go to Kawhia after the proposed meeting at Kopua, or else teach the School at Waitatuna. I believe it is safe both at Aotea and Kawhia but as there is a prospect of a formal, and permanent peace, I think it possible (if not probable) that some audacious hauhau kingite may yet commit another murder, if only for the purpose of preventing peace, and Mr. Moore or myself may possibly be selected as a suitable victim, therefore I consider it advisable to be cautious at present in going to either of these places. The R.M. Clerk informs me - "I have been offered an appointment as Magistrate at Opotiki in the Bay of Plenty, but the distance is so great, and the difficulties of moving so many, that I think I shall not be able to take it - unless I get my expenses paid by the government". I much regret Mr. Brabant's removal, and wish you would leave him here. I do not know any one who could fill his place. I remain, My dear Sir, Yours very respectfully, C.H. Schnackenberg