Wainui Novr. 16th /63 Dear Sir I have just received the enclosed from Nation - As you never told me to speak to the Natives of Patangata on the subject I have never made any inquiries with respect to the charges laid against him Mr. Curlings seems to be still under the impression that he had or has something to do with the affair - on my return from here I will ascertain if you think it necessary - I am afraid from what I hear that I shall lose my J. P. ship through the matter not having been settled during Mr. Dommetts time (for I hear, that Fox is in) The Govt. appearently say that they were under the impression that I wished to resign - because I wrote a letter to the Government at the time stating that if the Commission had been given me solely for the prupose of going to the Wairoa that I would resign; their answer was that there was no stipulation what ever connected to it, I have all the correspondence, to keep it - The country that I am surveying is very rough and thickly wooded and I dont think there are so many farms as Herbert stated but if the people will buy the land and clear and settle on it, it will be a good thing for this part of the province - there ought to be one section reserved for timber for Govt. purposes. The Natives are getting tired I think of Herimaia, Henry Koma is pushing his way well I hear that the Major is back and that Wilson is gone South. The Herberts are shearing at your place at Akitio the weather is showery for them, The people here take more interest in the goings on at Wellington than what takes place in Napier so there is no news - I remain, Dear Sir Your obedient Servant Saml. Locke P. S. I intend answering Nation verbaly the next time I see him. S.L. Donald McLean Esq. Napier