LOCKE, SAMUEL (1836-90) was born in Norfolk, the son of a landowner whose fortunes suffered in the depression of 1847-48. Having been educated as a surveyor, Locke came to Auckland in 1853 and engaged in his profession for some years, employing Maori labourers from whom he learned the language. In 1859 McLean gave him a position in the Native department, and he was appointed district surveyor in Hawke's Bay. During the Hauhau rising he raised a native contingent under Whanga and Kopu, and with fifteen Europeans defeated the enemy on the Wairoa river. In 1869 he joined the General Government.

Locke was M.P.C. for Napier Town (1866-69). He was then appointed officer in charge of native affairs on the East Coast, and as resident magistrate at Taupo assisted materially to open up that district by means of roads after the conclusion of the war. He purchased the Seventy Mile Bush (1870-71), and in 1873 settled a dispute between the Wairoa tribe and the Urewera. In 1878 he gained the East Coast seat in Parliament, defeating Rees twice in that year. He retired in 1887, and died on 13 Apr 1890. He married Caroline Fanny, daughter of Joseph Rhodes (q.v.).

Lambert; Woodhouse; Cowan, ii; Poverty Bay Herald, 5 Jan 1924; Auckland Star, 14 Apr 1890.

Reference: Volume 1, page 267

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