(Signed) J. Locke. Wairoa August 26th. 1872. Dear Locke, I am duly in receipt of your letter of 21st. I note that you have not received the testimonial from the Military settlers, and I learn that they are not agreed among themselves. The Wairoa river tattlers wish to acquire the whole Block at the back of their sections, at a yearly but very low rent. The Waiau settlers, more seattered, seem to adopt my scheme, the heads of which I now give you:- Each settler to have a pre-emptive right to purchase for every 40 acre section, the back mountain land immediately adjacent to his section, or sections, say to extend from a minimum of 40 acres, to a maximum of 200, for each section. The expense of survey to be borne by purchaser, and considering that much of it is pumice land, 2/6 per acre should be ample as to price. The payments to be deferred ones extending over five years. Conditions as to fencing, improvements, etc., would of course, be defined. I am inclined to believe that this would enhance the value of sections, and induce settlers to return to their land. I know that you join me in wishing to push on this place; and I am sure you will also admit that the men who conquered the land deserve that facilities be afforded them to enlarge their present borders. In regard to Cooper re Native Landlords, I shall send a copy of that portion of your letter referring to him, to his father-in-law (Mr. Hallet) and recommend him either to divide the Block amicably yet definitely, with the natives; or demand of Worgan the document said to bar the legality of the present registered Deed, and so test its value. How completely you scattered to the winds the wild dreams these men had by constant thought and vehement talking among themselves, almost deluded theaselves into believing; - how that their national triumph was at hand, and that Law, assisted by wholesale repudiation, was to restore them the whole length and breadth of the land. I remain Yours very truly, (Signed) Frederick F. Ormond.