Wai-whero August 9th 1864 Dear Sir The plan of the Natives of breaking their old agreements with respect to their leases appears to be becoming a regular scheme carried on systematically - On my my way up I heard that Karaitiana was holding a runanga at the Karamu for the purpose (so he says) of settling an old dispute between Douglass of Ngawakatatata and Rich as to whom the Kaokaoroa belonged, which will turn out to be an excuse for raising the rent and taking the management of that part of the country out of the hands of the Hapuku, Nepia and Paraone - When I got to Pourerere I heard that the Natives of Waimarama intended raising Bell's rent, from one hundred and twenty pounds a year, to four hundred, for one of the roughest runs in the province, the only reason that they can give apparently is, that Bell is not the man they let it to - I enclose a copy of a note I sent to Bell on hearing about the affair I also hear that Paora Ropia has done something of the kind to Cross - Wilkinson's run is another dispute of the same kind - Karaitiana appears to be always at the back of these disputes - If the Government dont either upset them altogether as survey and register them the question will become more difficult every day as the flocks increase etc. Or if they are let alone they will either break down through mismanagement and over doing the thing, or come to an open rupture. Hoping that the Council is over so that you can have a little peace once more - I remain Dear Sir Your obedient Servt. S. Locke Donald McLean Esq. Napier