Napier November 5th. 1869. Dear Sir, I am just off to Taupo again, to endeavour to carry out what we before talked about, viz:- to try and absorb that portion of Ngatiwharetoa, and other natives who reside on the West side of Taupo Lake. I feel that it can be done. I started it when I was there last. Mr. Ormond and I had a long talk with Te Heu Heu yesterday. Hou Heu will write some letters. I believe that all - or at all events, the majority, will some and work on the roads if the matter be managed with coin and tact. You will be sorry to hear of Paora Hapi's death. It appears that he was shot intentionally, in a War Dance. When I was last at Taupo, Poihipi was anxious to have the road made straight to Te Papa, through the bush. He said the few natives there would, he thought, be glad to work. It certainly seems to me to be the correct road, as it leads straight to a good harbour. I have seen Mokena's letter, you sent down about the money for the Township at Turanga. I did not take the £500 with me, so that will be all right. I should like Tareha to go when the money is paid - or rather, when the Meeting at Poverty Bay takes place. I hope you will santion some money - say £200, to be laid out in opening up the road between Mahia or Nuhaka and Turanga. The money would be well spent, and the natives are very anxious to work at it. I sent in a report of my trip to Taupo, and up the coast. I sometimes wish I had someone to consult and show it to, but I do the best I can. I suppose practice will improve me. I am afraid of a worse jealousy springing up between Tareha and Karaitiana, if Karaitiana be made too much of. Tareha certainly is wearisome sometimes to bear with. From all Te Heu Heu says one would think that at all events a large section of the Waikato were anxious for peace. I sincerely hope you will be successful, and I believe you will be, if others don't come in and spoil your work; for it will require careful looking after for a long period, by those whose object is the peaceful and fair settlement of the country; and not of those who want to keep up a Native difficulty. There are too many existing on the Native difficulty. I may be wrong, but I think that will be one of your hardest jobs, to get rid of that state of things. And also with Mr. Branigan - to get rid of that apeing of the British Officer in a poor Colony struggling for an existence. McDonnell has done well at Taupo. Te Kooti was trying to get back to have a go at Wairo, when he was met by our people at Tautanga (Taupo.) Hamilin is trying to get your Runs all right, but I think a little stirring up on the matter would do him good. I do all I can, but I am not much here, now. Karaitiana is very much opposed to selling his share of the big bush. I don't think it was wise of Williams offering to give part of it back. It would have been better to have out it up and leased it, I think. If the slightest turn comes for the better, that land ought to sell, or lease well. I wish To Petane-Mohaka Blook question was settled, and the remainder of the East Coast question. I remain Yours truly (Signed) J. Locke.