Letter from J. Rogan, to Donald McLean, dated 21st. November 1854. New Plymouth 21st. November 1854. My dear Sir, I duly received your note from the steamer while off this place; and as Cooper embarked, I left it with him to tell you the state of affairs up to that period. The surveys of the Hua have been proceeded with at a slow pace, owing to repeated interruptions from the Puketapus, who have daily raised reports of attack, which have not yet been realised. The Upokotanaki selection, (about 460 acres) which is cut up into 10 acre lots, was settled before Cooper left. Immediately after the land was surveyed, I proceeded to the Hua; held a Committee with the principal people concerned, who agreed to a proposal made for the division of their property; and after a few days, I was brought to a dead-lock, in consequence of a dispute arising between Matiu, Raniera, and Te Tahana, about some fern lands situated 1½ miles inland of the Devon Road; which each party insisted is his own. I have failed to induce them to settle this question, up to the present time; and have lost, in consequence, a fortnight's fine weather. I am now going to attempt the Native Reserves in the Waiwakaiho Block; by way of giving them at the Hua, more time to cool; and by the time I have finished there, I hope to commence again, when I was compelled to leave off. Katatori has been threatening a tawa on Rawiri's party, for a considerable time. He came close to the pa at Waitoha yesterday morning early, and was chased back to his den. This morning he came to the pas again; and Rawiri's party went out. They met, looked at each other, and were each afraid to fire the first shot; so departed; and so it goes on, without termination. Great excitement prevails amongst them yet; and it is not to be supposed that they care very little to attand to me regularly, under these circumstances. Repeated messages are reaching me from Mokau, which makes me very anxious to leave; but I cannot see my way clear to go till the Hua question is settled. I shall not fail to acquaint you from time to time about the native selection, which I am most anxious to complete as quickly as possible. I remain, my dear Sir, very truly yours. (Signed) J. Rogan. To:- Donald McLean.