Napier July 25 1871. My dear Sir, I was sorry on my return from Auckland to find that you had gone to Wellington. The bad weather at Taupo and Patetere detained me longer than I should other-wise have been away - and it being the first time I had met many of the Maoris I there saw, I was extra careful to remain until matters were explained and also so as to become as far as possible acquainted with them. Hori is a quiet old man of the old stamp and seems anxious to go peaceably to his grave. He must have been a very fine man in former times. The other chiefs, Ranginui, Mita and Maihi te Nata are as you know young men and without much mark about them. I found the Waikato men to be very fine looking fellows, clever but very quiet in their behaviour. Heta spoke well, but I should think him to be an oily gentleman. Watene acted as straightforward as any of them and told me if care were used, his place would be visited in a year or two in the same way as the Wa-o-tu was now. A man named Tumuhuia spoke in the strongest manner and used the worst expressions, saying he would kill anyone that crossed the boundaries for purposes of leasing etc. in the same way that Todd had been killed. Iraia te Hapuaro alias te Waru spoke remarkably well, as a chief - but strongly opposed to the Govt. From the manner in which the Ngatiraukawa are mixed up with Waikato tribes it is difficult to say what course they might take should that portion of the Waikatos who have been expelled from their land with their relatives manage to get up a row, but I think at all events a large portion of the tribe would be with us, especially those on the right bank of Waikato. I don't see much difficulty if care be used in carrying our way entirely in Patetere and that would seperated the Thames and other natives from the King party and then if we can work on for a year or so without involving ourselves with Waikato, the Thames side with a judicious course of opening up and settling will be done for and Waikato will be ready for working on. The Tohu rangi at the Horohoro want to sell land so the Govt. for a settlement. I always think that Patea and Karioi plains would make a very good settlement and open up a large country. I fear you will smile at all my old ways of talking. I have forwarded a report of my meeting with Ngatiraukawa and also a general report for the year. The Waikatos complained about leases at Maungatatari. They want to get up a cry for sympathy some how. The Natives meet here about 70 mile bush this week. Rangitane want me to go with them to purchase other end of Block. I should not mind as I should like be in Wellington a short time while my people are there. I am a strange R.M. I think Rogans name is the most appropraite i.e. "Travelling Tinker". I have forgotten in all this to congratulate you in getting your private affairs all settled with respect to your runs. You will of course heard of the blackguard manner Sutton has gone on. He has not a man on his side all are pimping on him and I believe the Telegraph days are now very short through the action they have taken. I remain yours very truly, S. Locke. P.S. Will there be a chance of the Luna going to Auckland in about a month.