Napier. August 23rd. 1872. Honourable D. McLean. Dear Sir, I send you enclosed the "Herald's" report of what I at the Wairoa to the natives; so that you may see what I told them, respecting back claims, etc. I received a letter from Colonel Moule, dated August the 13th., using your name, informing me that Mr. Hamlin is to pay police and other officers, apparently without constulting me. The error in question, I admit occurred through an oversight of my own. I pay Mr. Fannin £25 a year out of my own pocket, to fill up forms, and do other small detail office work; as the boy I have is always travelling with me; and for travelling expenses I pay. It appears that Mr. Fannin stupidly, to save himself trouble, I suppose, calculated back pay due some pensioners, from the first of the month, instead of from the 3rd., I think, which made a difference of about £8, in favour of Government. I cannot think such an error can necessitate such a letter as the one received. I intend, supposing I remain an officer of Government, to look closer into all these matters myself; but I cannot help thinking that one knowing how I have travelled, and the variety of work in which I have been employed during the past two or three years, would admit that I have had but little leisure to pay that attention to those detail questions in office, that appear necessary. I know I hold a most anomalous kind of office, being Resident Magistrate for three places, viz,-Wairoa, Waiapu, Poverty Bay, and Taupo; in all of which there are now Magistrates appointed; and that I reside in Hawke's Bay, in which District I hold no office whatever; and further that by my letter of instructions covering my appointments, I am strictly directed to correspond wholly through the Government agent, Napier; and from whom I am to receive instructions. Therefore, although nominally belonging to the Native Office, I, in reality, appear to belong to none; and if guilty of breach of any official etiquette with reference to correspondence, or otherwise, I have carried out my instructions. If there be any change in the organisation of Departments in contemplation, by which my services will be dispensed with, (and of which I could not complain), I have only to request that it be done by.....(?) or.....(?) I hope for the sake of the country, the Ministry will keep office; and with the exception of two or three, that is the strong desire of all here. I remain Yours very truly, (Signed) S. Locke. ( The missing words in the above appear to be in Maori, but are not quite clear.)