Private Napier July 7th, 1870 Dear Sir, There is a strange report here amongst the natives to the effect that the Home government have decided that the Maori has been wrongly treatedby the European settlers, and that the Queen therefore has taken away the troops. I mentioned this to Mr. Ormond some time since when I first heard of it from Tareha. He (Tareha) said some European was spreading it. Karaitiana tells me that the Porangahau Natives have taken it up. They are getting up subscriptions. The Natives are to get up petitions and if possible send home a deputation to the Queen with them. Bishop Selwyn is to assist them at home as they state he has already in the Lords - Some of the natives here try to use Coopers name as a consenting party to this arrangement and some one named Mitai in the Wellington office. I send this as it comes to me. It appears as far fetched as many of the reports and contemplated movements at the commencement of the war with the missionary party Karaitiana showed me a letter you wrote him the other day. He says it is true he and Henry spoke ill of you as they did not consider themselves fairly treated about pay for Taupo expedition in accordance with some conversation Karaitiana had with you on the subject. He says that is what comes of a being in the Government. But he will tell you all about that and other things such as his grievances about Mangateretere when he sees you. Wilson is talking a great deal about your purchase of Mangateretere from Tareha at such a low rate etc., when the rent was due at the same time. I hope sincerely you will soon be quite clear of that nuisance and about mortgages in general. It appears to be the only thing he and one or two others can get hold of now. They all thought you were all to be kicked out head long when the news of the financial speech arrived, and were going down to see you (the present Govt.) simmering in the fire as they said - But matters have cooled down now, and peoples minds have altered. But can you get the money? - There is no doubt we want life put into us all and such a scheme if but partially carried out, if well conducted will for ever end all Maori troubles, through the influx of population and opening up of country - How are you going to do at Poverty Bay about an R. M., or are you going to let me go there. Or is Harris to be the man, or a married doctor and Harris a J. P.? If I had only my own wishes to consult I would go to Tologa Bay tomorrow. Something requires to be done respecting the trxist deeds and also about appointing successors to deceased persons mentioned in Crown Grant and many other points connected with the working of the Native Lands Court and Trust Accts. at once - I have no time to go about getting signatures to Trust deeds. If I were allowed a clerk, I might do something in that and other things of the same sort. You can hear everything that goes on at Taupo as quick as I can. Hoping the Govt. will be able to carry their points, I am, Yours truly, S. Locke