Jan. 7, 63. My Dear Sir, In the hurry of writing yesterday I quite forgot to enclose the shoemaker's receipt for £4.9 - which you will perceive was paid to him at once on the receipt of your letter. I shall as you direct pay Friend 10/s and the remaining shilling goes for beer. I paid a visit to old Ti this morning and Waaka (Hira Mura) who is Matiu's representative. Bell is prepared to open the ball with them and in consequence of what I ascertained from Matius side which is the taha mate and pakeke to boot. Bell has addressed a letter to both parties today and it is probable a preliminary Meeting will take place tomorrow - I have just come from the land office where some of my late Whangarei purchases have been offered for sale and great competition took place the price I dare say averaged 15/s an acre. What do you think of that. I gave 1/s 12 mos. ago. Mrs.Brackenbury is here but I have not seen here I believe they have gone to Coromandel. Clarke is up from Tauranga, and what do you think B- told me that H. and I should have £450 each. I am as you know an unbelieving Irishman but I suppose it is all right only I should like to see it marked down in the pay sheet - Jan. 9 - Yesterday morning at 10 A.M. a person came into Monro's room making anxious enquiries for you she was passed on to me - her name is Flora McDougall and represents herself as a cousin of yours, she said she was in a difficulty having expended her means on board and asked me to lend her £5.0.0 which I did explaining at the same time that it was entirely on your account I did it. I dont know whether I have done right as you never mentioned to me that you expected any friends out from home. She talks of writing to you but I recommended her to take the first opportunity and go to Napier. The 'Lillah' is to sail on Monday next and she had better take passage and go down as there is nothing here for it but expense - Bell had the preliminary meeting yesterday which passed off well but I missed you at it awfully - There was nothing done at it but to appoint the Arbitrators, Walton and Heath for Ti - Te Hemara of Mahurangi and Eru of Orakei - for the other side - I think the Maoris are the best men of the hour - The Governor not back yet. Dont forget to say by what conveyance the grass seed is coming. Yours, J. Rogan. I tried all means in my power to get you some pheasant but failed old Kuru is away at Kaipara surveying and the Natives say they are very difficult to catch.