Napier Oct. 27th, 1873 Dear Sir, I return the telegram from Major Heaphy enclosed - I received a letter from Major Heaphy this morning addressed to Lowgood asking for an account of rents etc. up to present time, I seald and posted it - I enclose you a letter from Poihipi giving an account the Wa o tu meeting. I intend seeing Mr. Hart today if possible as I am very anxious to get clear of the present arrangement re Hapuku estate. Lascelles I hear intends raising a question in reference to title to river beds etc., under what he calls 'allodial tenure'. He says by wording of Deeds and manner of buying lands from Maoris under old system all river beds etc. such as wide beds like Tukituki and others were purchased by Government, but under present system where surveys Crown Grants etc. only show edge of bank, that the bed of the stream where not navigatable, and all low islands or points etc. that may be formed, belong to Maoris, if they should be put up to claiming the land. The same way where govt. have become possessed of the river bed by purchase, and they only sell to edge of bank, that all Islands points etc. that may form by change of stream etc. belong to govt. thus causing much annoyance. There may be nothing in this, I only mention it to show how lawyers look for quibbles - Paora Rerepu is quite mad, and is being sent here under charge of police. There is a balance coming to Ropata te Hoakakari as a grantee in one of the 70 Mile Bush Grants. There is still a balance of between three and four thousand pounds due to the grantees, about eighty in number - The Natives here are constantly asking for the Pound Regulations and a synopsis of other regulations affecting both races to be printed - Is is possible to get Josiah Hamlin an appointment? He is anxious to get one, and I believe would make a very good office, his past conduct here deserves notice. Routledge is proud of his J. Pship. I remain, Yours very truly, S. Locke