Hokianga 10 June 1870 My Dear Sir, Since you went away in the ''Luna'' things here seem to have remained in ''statu quo'' the only change is, we have suffered one great loss. Miss Maning has gone to reside with Mrs. Henry Gilfillan in Auckland, she came and stayed with us for a day and night on her way to Auckland. I much fear that Onoke will go back to the state it was, in the days of ''Old New Zealand'' - and we i. e. Webster and self will be great losers in the way of our fair friends society though we shall of course correspond which will be a something. Mohi Tawhai has been very ill and was expected to die, he sent for me to bid me good bye, I took a couple of bottles of wine and with the help of that and the kind attention of Mr. Wm. Webster he is now past all danger and fast recovering I was at the ''hatunga'' at Waima but did not send you any word of it as Mr. Maning Jun. was there and would report to you. Carleton had a sort of ''korero'' with the native electors of Waima and he I am told even hinted that you wished him returned, Mr. Williams was his interpreter. A meeting was held at the Bay on the Queen's birthday when Carletonsfriends made a great flourish, about what he would do if neglected I fancy that it will be a very hard fight between McLeod and him, but the chances are in favour of Carleton, McLeod has no position, and is not a man of education, which will go a great way with such a constituency as this, who admire that which they do not themselves possess, their seems to be a charm in a few phrases in a foreign language with the great unwashed - besides the Williams' influence will secure a great portion of the native votes which will number about one hundred - There is some talk of asking you to stand for this place, of course you would go in without expence or trouble, but if you object perhaps you could get some one to come forward who would be acceptable to the people, any one but Carleton and McLeod. Webster would be returned for certain if he would only come forward. The natives have been bothering me a great deal lately about the powder and shot more particularly shot - they say if not allowed to purchase shortly, the permission will be of but little service to them as the shooting season does not last long viz . June, July, and August. Some time since a man named Offord was fined by Williams and self £60 for selling spirits to natives and through some informality the decision will I fear be upset. You will say, serve them right for not being more careful, Williams is of course all right, he can on his by salary afford this sort of luxury, I can't do it so well on my small one, so will in future take care that I don't trust to Mr. W. to prepare the documents etc. i. e. convictions etc. Hoping you are well I am dear Sir, yours very obediently, Spencer von Sturmer