A Happy New Year to all my absent friends. May it really prove so to all of them, wherever they are, is my sincere wish... Got up early in the morning. Wrote to my sisters, - Flora, Ann, Kate, and Isabella... Takamoana came to see me, with some Rotorua natives, by whom I wrote to the Chief at Wakatane, Apanui; from whom, some years ago, I got two guns to be repaired; which, it is possible, have never been returned to him. Enclosed him £2, by Mauahi of Rotorua, who received a shirt and some tobacco for carrying the letters. I feel annoyed with myself that I did not settle the matter before now. Spoke to Takamoana about purchasing the Heads of Ahuriri, and the Island opposite, which is essentially necessary, to command the Harbour. He seems disposed to sell; but Tareha and Torotoro are the principal owners. May this year be attended with the Almighty's blessing on my efforts for the good of the country in which I live, and for the welfare of those