Napier July 10th 1872 My dear sir As the Rangatira is likely to make another start tomorrow morning, I send a few words about proceedings here - The Meeting has lasted all day at Pakowhai and will be continued all day tomorrow. There were over five hundred Natives present. Karaitiana's party of about two hundred including Taupo people were together, and Henare Matua's people about three hundred were by themselves. In front of each party a rope was stretched leaving a clear space about fifteen yards wide between the two parties. Noa commenced the speaking by explaining the reason of the meeting - viz. that they should all work together in an orderly manner. That they had suffered before from being seperate and not working with Govt. etc. Henare Matua followed with a very long speech. Stating that the Govt. only helped the maoris when they were compelled, That laws were made and enforced without the nature or effect of them first being explained That the Govt. allowed them to be robbed and cheated out of their lands by means of mortgages etc. without interfering in their behalf, which state of things would have gone on until their was no land left,had not Henry Russell and Purvis helped them, and frightened the people who were cheating them with the knowledge or sanction of Govt. etc. He wanted Tamaki to be handed over to him etc. Henare Tomoana then spoke proposing that all the grievances should be taken to Wellington and that they should all write and form a "District Runanga" for their District - To which Henare Matua objected at present. Karaitiana then said a few words, to the effect that Henare appeared to be so full of that he K. could not follow him. The people perhaps might but he could not. Colenso then spoke and warned Henare and those with him that the course they were taking was to their certain ruin. They would not get the land back, but would get deeper in debt to lawyers etc. Colenso spoke very well - All the speeches will be in the Papers. Both editors were there with their interpreters. I go again tomorrow when the meeting is expected to end. Karauria and an other native from Wairarapa were with Henare - Henare most certainly got much the worst of it today - Karaitiana I fancy tells them that the Govt. will appoint a commission to investigate the matter. I believe he is so far committed as to promise that if something of that kind is not done he will join them - There is a very strong feeling indeed at present on the subject along the whole East Coast. Karaitiana I am told has written to Henry Russell that he will work in the Assembly in this matter. K would rather go with Govt. but he will go with other side rather than lose his point - Lascelles wrote last night to K asking him to join issue with Henare Matua, K says let Henare come over to him first. I heard from old Hapuku to day that he had signed some paper empowering Lascelles to act for him I think it would be much better if my name was not in these trusts There is a strong party feeling working up among the natives excited by Europeans against me on this subject, bringing my name in with private matters in such a way that the Natives will not come to me or be guided by my advice. I should be much more powerful for good with independent action - The papers for the past few days have lots about maori matters. The movement that is now going on here, if taken up by Govt. can all be turned in a right direction Henry Russell must be stamped out, and the Govt. take up the grievances feigned or real or whatever they may be and take the reins in their own hand. Something else must be found for the Maori to talk about - The Porangahau Natives are appearently instructed to look on me as Satan (Hatana) and that I have no right here - I have a letter informing me of this having been said by Kuru at a meeting there. I remain Yours very truly S.Locke P.S. I would have written to Mr. Ormond but it is getting very late. S.L. P.S. I have a niece coming over from Victoria in a few, whom Miss McLean has kindly offered to look after when she arrives at Wellington. I will arrange with Agents here about payment of her passage up here - She will be a great comfort to my wife as a companion when I am away. S.L.