Napier May 5th, 1875 My dear McLean, I have not much news to give you. The Elections are on here and are creating a little more excitement as the polling days approach. There has not been any talking except yesterday by Buchanan who abused me as much as he could. It seems tho his speech did not tell, for he only got three hands held up for him after it, and I don't think he has any chance of being elected. Yesterday I received a letter from Stuart the Mayor denying positively that he had any intention of opposing you, he asked me to shew you his letter which I will do when you come to Town. In it he suggests altho' he may not aspire to M.H.R. he would accept M.L.C. Notwithstanding his denial which is very strong I believe he was fool enough to mean it, only he finds out that the very mention of such a thing has smashed him. You are not directly interested in these Provincial elections but really they have a very direct bearing on those for the Higher Assembly and a very strong attempt has been made just now to get a footing. However I think the enemy is beaten already at all points. Buchanan himself having little chance of election - Before you leave you must spend a quiet evening with me - there are many questions I want to talk over with you - we shall not have so quiet a Session of the Assembly as the last and we are also on the eve of a general election. Enclosed is last evenings Telegraph the article communicated to the Otago Times was sent from here by Sheehan. I saw him this morning he was very civil indeed and evidently does not mean to go on at present with any of his Native cases. I have no other news. Yours always J.D.Ormond