Napier May 16th 1870 P. S. Please don't foget the survey settlements for confiscated land on East Coast. S. L. Mr. Tollemache told me he was very proud of his boy Douglas. S. L. Dear Sir I have just received a letter from Burton at the Wairoa and others stating that they think of writing to Mr. Richmond about the money for the East Coast surveys - and requests him to bring the whole question up at the next sitting of the Assembly. I have written to them desiring them not to write, at all events not until I have heard from you, as the money had been promised me by the Government and that I had sent in all the bouchers etc. in fact was expecting the money every day from Auckland - Mr. Ormond has just told me that you will not be at the Taupo meeting. Unless there was every chance of its being a perfect success it would be better for you not to go, as it would mix you up in the little disputes - I am anxious to get up there as soon as possible, I have been a long time away now. I am sorry this unpleasantness has arisen between this district and Auckland. The Native Lands Court people appear to have no love for me, for some reason I don't know what I have done to offend them. You will have heard that Ropata started from Poverty Bay with 440 men all in good spirits for the back of the Lake, and that Hamlin and Witty are at the Lake with the Mohaka and Wairoa men. It will take a long time of quiet cautious working to settle the Native question yet. The plan appears to me to be to work quietly and systematically at the roads and opening up and consolidating as it were the country we have got possession of. Stretch every nerve at immigration, and in a manner drop the Waikuta question. The nail is driven home, let it rust. Time will do it. I remain, Yours very truly, S. Locke