Mem. for Locke. February 17th. 1868 Ihakara at Puka Iwi agreed to stick to his former understanding and advise us as soon as a meeting of his people took place -- He wants keeping right altho I think him staunch. Karaitiana at Patea especially wants seeing there was some misunderstanding with Hamlin abt. a Cattle purchase which will do no good -- He ought to be seen atonce -- a akeha Maori called Williams is working against us -- He also having some feud with Hamlin. I consider keeping Karaitiana straight of importance. The great thing wd. be to get the Natives to consent to occupation with sheep and to put a flock on the Noa and one on the Banks of the Rangitikei to take possession with. This might be effected by Locke if he took it in hand earnestly We might pay an instalment of Rent to complete any bargain made, but the main sum of rent shd. be made payable at end of year. Buller is treating with the Natives for the country from Rangipo valley to Birchs Boundary the Noa hanga. on the West of the Noa hanga it is the only winter country in the two Blocks we are treating for. The rent from the two Blocks I have named ought not to be more than £300 a year -- Rather than lose it we might go to £400 a year. Perhaps the Pakeha Maori (Williams) who lives at Patea might be secured for our interests he has some influence with Karaitiana. It wd. be a great thing to get the right to occupy whilst the season allows of doing so -- if we leave it over till next spring there is no knowing what difficulty may intervene. . Run West of Noa hanga. Boundaries to go in for -- On the West the line (shown on Plan) Locke gave me as boundary what he was treating for for Cox and Co. On the East Noa Hanga river -- on the North Kaimanawa Range on the South The Bush. Run East of Rangitikei. West the Rangitikei River -- North Kaimanawa Range South The Bush -- East Tarawarau river and the slopes of the Kaweka mountain. J.D.Ormond. Lord Henry told me that he and those with him were depending on Buller and when I said Locke had told me he was looking to Cox's interest and must secure Rangipo and Rarioi for him -- His Lordship said they had nothing to do with Mr. Locke that they depended upon Buller who he intimated was treating with natives on the West Coast, and thinks lightly of the claims of the Resident Natives -- Whitmore told me today he had been to the Heu Heu and Taupo Chiefs and got their assent to the land being given to him. These dealings if told to the Patea Natives will assist in urging them to let the country at once. If they consent we will occupy at once. J. D. Ormond.