Wainui Decr. 22nd /63 Dear Sir I am glad to think that you are pleased with what I sent you about my trip to Taupo - The Natives here can hardly realize the fact, that the Waikatos have been driven back and so completely beaten, but they are all very quiet indeed, and as I said, in a former letter, Heremaia is going home very soon - It is a pitty that matters cannot be arranged, so as to locate twenty 'Married Military Settlers', on the farms I am laying out - I am sorry that nothing could be done respecting my J.P. ship, because, I must now leave New Zealand as soon as I am able, I cannot bear to asked by every one, - for people know that I wrote to Mr. Ormond (then deputy Superintendent) who promised that it should be put to rights - otherwise I would have written to the General Government direct - I dont value it so much for itself, it is the being struck off as if I were a vagabond, I feel it bitterly when I think that after some years of hard work, and, for the two past years living at considerable more expense than usual, through stopping in Town, and in travelling about amongst the Natives, that I must leave the Country just as the harvest is come - Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year - I remain, Dear Sir Your Obed. Servt. S. Locke Donald McLean Esqre. etc. etc. Napier