Confidential Memo for Mr. Locke. In reference to the uncertainty of my position in the Govt. service I beg to submit the following for your kind consideration and to point out the means you have of conferring an obligation upon me by a slight concession on your part. You are already aware that in my capacity as Adjt. I am not included in estimates but merely paid as a contingent officer from Defence Note. In this situation I have for some years been mixed up with native matters and I now feel that unless I make some effort to establish myself in a definate position I shall be but a straggle in the rear as the district advances. The Militia are disbanded and probably the break up of the volunteers will result therefrom. The native Militia are still retained but I am for the sake of the district without a thought of self employment voluntarily recommending their discontinuance, and the arms shipped away (1000 stand). After this is all done my duties as Adjt. will be comparatively small, and I am not one of those who are agreable to draw salary and do little. I must be well employed to be contented. In view of the foregoing circumstances I meditate requesting Sir D. McLean to give me some appointment in the district and I have thought that if agreable to you I might be appointed to do the duties of the district officer in Ngatiporou district in conjunction with the land purchase appointment still in abeyance. If you are agreable to recommend it, I will prefer this request to Sir. D. McLean but of course I will not do so without your permission. T.W. Porter, Adjt. E.C.C. 3rd March 1875 In reference to the above letter, I feel strongly that you are fully deserving of a good office in the Native Department and that you would do your duties efficiently - but I cannot see how you could act as land purchase agent and District officer at the same time in the same District - should the Honble. the Native Minister approve/I should most willingly hand over to you the duties of District officer in the Ngatiporou district or recommend that you be appointed as agent in that district for the purchase of land for Govt. S. Locke.