Auckland 23 June, 1876 My dear Sir Donald, A mail leaves this tomorrow and send a few lines. By the Star Telegrams we have the latest from the House which points to "No Surrender" in the matter of the revival of the Thread worn old story of the Piako Swamp. Of your success the Public here have already made up their minds - and thus dispose of the question once for all. The Debate on the Reply to the Address is still looked for - Since you left nothing very much has been stirring - Sir Geo.Grey's interview with Te Reinga was I am informed a very sentimental one - Brown interpreted - I was asked for - but was as you may imagine not to be found for the occasion - Mitchell - the shorthand Scribe was also present and was requested to take notes of the Conference even to the significant "Tangi and Aroha nui" - He complained very bitterly to this good woman who is evidently a Shingle short - that you had concealed from him the result of your Interviews with Tawhiao. He gave her £5 wh. there was some trouble in getting her sign Manual in acknowledgt. at the foot of a (having a strong antipathy to sign anything in Black and White. I had an opportunity of seeing a good deal of this Woman, and find that she possesses a good deal of cunning peculiar to the Race and to her flighty state of mind. Have since you left seen all the Editors of the Three papers -- A good stroke has been the making of the E. Star an official organ under the Debtors and Creditors Act 1873, the absence of wh. they attribute to Pollen -- Barstow's Enquiry is nearly concluded which has been a lengthy one. My own and Preece's Evidence has yet to be taken. I wired in to Mr. Pole who endeavored to shirk the responsibility of being the mover. Nelson was really his Henchman both being Members of the Sheehan-Grey Clique. Haultains Enquiry commenced today. He informed me that Sheehan had promised to reply to any question either by upon which I informed him iva voce that his absence in person wd. defeat the object of the Investigation -- Since then Haultain has it appears thought it over, and determines to summon him (on Oath) but for what time I cannot now say -- I am inclined to think there existed a little bias as connected with Sir Geo. and the Opposition Party, and determined to bring him to the Scratch -- Mr. Bucholz's funeral was attended by several of us which his widow and friends fully appreciated Green and self taking care to explain that it was due to your own wish -- Paul is laid up with the Govt -- Your Receipts I will forward in due course, and with sincere sympathies for your success, I remain, Faithfully yours, H.T. KEMP Please to mark as "Urgent" any telegrams you may at any time desire, and I then shall get them in good time.