5 Miles further on there were a few who provided food for our natives and by 1/2 past one we got to Ruakaka where we waded the Mokau and about 4 arrived at Mutukamuma Mr Riemen-schneider's station. The chief Okari came there to see us and told us the natives of Waitara had fled from their lands in consequence of one of the Ngatiawa tribe oursing his father (Okari's) who had not yet received intelligence of it nor did he know how he would receive it. But he supposed he would make peace if they would pay for the insult, which was aggravated by their having been returned prisoners of war. The German mission at this place consists of one ordained priest and a layman sent out as a farmer to superintend cultivation. The chief Okari has given them about 10 acres of land, in a good situation having the river between them and the Pah where there is another European named Jones living who has a neat garden with quantities of vegetables growing and some Wheat. The most untidy part of his establishment is his house which is formed of a few round sticks only and Nikau covering such as the natives use for cooking under. They have already adopted some of his modes of culture and they are all industriously pursuing their work. There are about 80 or 100 at this settlement, which is rather a pretty one and in a part of the country scarcely ever visited by New Zealand travellers. It fully confirms or rather strengthens an impression I had previously formed that it would suit well for an industrious German peasantry used to the growth of the vine which would from the nature of the soil be very prolific, and as there are already two missionaries from that country stationed here they will act it is probable as Pioneers to the further establishment of their countrymen on the banks of the Mokau. December 7th. Crossed the river and with Messrs Riemenschneider and Whiteman attended native service. Mr Taylor preached and gave us one of the best native sermons, and as appropriate to the place and people as could well be given and that I have as yet heard him preach. December 8th. At 7 o'clock in the morning we commenced our descent of the river Mokau accompanied by the chief's wife and a guide to get us safe over the rapids. The land continued to have a level and fertile appearance. The river winds very much but is considerably deeper and easier to pull down than any river of the same size I have yet seen. After passing the rapids it is perfectly smooth and with constant pulling we managed to get to the Mahoi (? Mahoe) Mr Schnackenberg's station at 7 P. M. and found all at the Mokau station quiet and considerable improvements made. This morning Waitara the chief of Mokau had a long conversation with me respecting the curse mentioned above and said he was sorry that Taonui had not known of it when we were at his place as we might have arranged the affair. He then talked about a vessel which he has partly purchased telling me the remaining portion of the price (80 pigs) was ready. Having informed him of the friendly disposition of the tribes I had visited he appeared pleased and remarked that European influence was rapidly destroying their war-like habits. About 10 o'clock we came to Kahawa Hihaka's place at Tongaporutu. We had further talk on various subjects and proceeded on our journey but were detained by the tide for several hours nor could we proceed until about 11 at night when we walked until 1/2 past 2 when we got to Waikamumu and pitched our tents. 10th. At 7 in the morning we left Waikamumu and got to a small station newly occupied by a Waikato chief in right of his wife who belonged to the Ngatitama tribe. Having settled some matters for this chief when at Taranaki he received us very kindly and gave me much information on various subjects particularly as to the Waikatos who he considered friendly. After breakfasting at his place and waiting one or two hours for the tide we left - promising him some seeds for his garden and cuttings of fruit trees. We crossed the Mimi and Urenui rivers easily at ebb tide and came to Onaero where there is very excellent land suited for cultivation - from thence to the Taniwha where we met about 10 natives who had landed from their canoes with a quantity of shark and other fish who offered to cook some for us, but being anxious to push on, having sent two men before us to get provisions prepared for our arrival. About 6 P. M. we arrived at the Waitara where the natives got fish and potatoes in abundance, and as many fish as they could carry home for their own use. About 1/2 past six we started for New Plymouth and got in by ten at night where we found all well, and thus concluded a fatiguing journey of nearly 700 Miles the result of which has I hope been most satisfactory.