Napier Jany. 6th 1860 Sir When we parted in Wellington you wished me to write to you and I think there can be no better time than now having just returned from my first excursion into the Country. I have been to Tiko Kino on the Ruataniwha plains to look at some lines being cut round the Native Reserves there I had the misfortune to lose my way when going up and after riding mile after mile on a Road which I thought had no end I found myself at Ngawakatarata and passed the night at a Mrs.Larges alias Carters and the next morning under the direction of Mr. Gill (who also passed the night there) I reached Tiko Kino calling at Mr.Cooper's (who was not at home) on my way I slept at Mr.Tanner's Station that night the next day I had a look over the Survey I found two men cutting lines through the Bush without an Instrument and that one of them intended to leave on the following Saturday I then rode over to Waipukurau to see Mr.Cooper and enquire if I had full authority to hire and discharge men his answer was that I could do what I pleased with my own party and that I could employ three men when I required them I intend to try and get a party of Natives and whenever there is work to employ the same men Mr.Cooper also told me that there was a Horse here belonging to the Government which he had no doubt I might have the use of I believe that it was formerly use by some person in your employment I hope that suggestion will meet with your approval. I have also had an opportunity of speaking with some of the natives I was surprised to find them with such friendly feelings towards the Europeans from what I had heard in the North I expected to find them very different in that respect I have seen the Moana Nui Hapuku's Brother and Sister and many other Chief's an old man named Riwai has promised me with the assistance of Ropata Renata and others to write a History of the Tribe from their leaving Hawaiki and the cause of their doing so with every occurrence of any importance up to the present time and I intend on the first opportunity to get one of the Hapuku party to do the same for I know that it is of no use trying to do any thing with them without knowing the beginning and first cause of everything relating to them my opinion of them at present is very favourable and hope it will improve with acquaintance I have observed that the Hills here are all Lime Stone and the Plains (Rua Taniwha for instance) are beds of inland Lakes partly filled up from the floods bringing down lose stones from the Mountains but mainly through an immence upheaving of the district by some Earthquake there is some dispute going on here between the Surveyor's but I do not know exactly what it is yet I beleive they don't wish Mr. Tiffen to be both Land Commissioner and Chief Provincial Surveyor I think that Mr.M.Fitzgerald wishes to get the latter appointment I shall be very pleased when Mr.Cooper comes to Town again so that I may have something to do in the Country again I don't think my two Principal's pull well together I can not send you any news for I do not know any one in the place at present but I comfort myself with the reflection that when in Town I have more time for reading and waste less in talking I hope sincerely ere this that you have thoroughly recovered your health and long long may you enjoy it. I remain, Sir Your Obed.Servant Saml. Locke To Donald McLean Esqr. J.P. Chief Commissioner etc.