Waipukurau July 1st /63 Dear Sir I delivered your letter to Captain Newman who said that if the weather would permit he should go to Napier this week I have since seen Tanner who appears determined to get the Maori run if possible I told him that it was a most knotty question and at all events to be cautious how he acted towards the Hapuku. I believe he will call on you in Town - The weather continuing so bad I have dismissed my party leaving everything at Waipawa so that I can commence again as soon as the weather clears up and Mr. Cooper comes back which I hear will not be for a fortnight for to do anything at present is next to impossible for on one side I hear that Captain Lambert is anxious to see me on the other Mr. Russell is very uncomfortable for he has just received a letter from either Judge Johnson or Mr. Johnston stating that the people of Wellington are very uneasy. It is my intention to go and see Captain Lambert and then return to port calling at Mr. Russells on my way - I have been making some enquiries about the land spoken of by Karaitiana near the forty mile bush the northern boundary of the Tautane block surveyed by Nation it appears the points mentioned in the deeds are very conspicuous and that Karaitiana is trying it on a little but at the same time there must be a great error some where for Mr. Fitzgerald estimated the available land to be six thousand acres and Nation considers it to be under six hundred acres - Mr. Hamilton a friend of Mr. Wilkinsons and I believe a partner with him in the adjoining Maori run was present with Nation when he surveyed it - Mr. Hamilton is now on his way to Town - Some of the Porongahau natives would like to join the police they are expecting your answer. I remain, Dear Sir, Your obedient Servt. Saml. Locke Donald McLean Esqre. Napier