Auckland 12 January, 1874 (?) Dear Mr. McLean, As this is the first Note I shall have had the pleasure of addressing to you on the New Year allow me at the same time to wish you again many happy returns. I telegraphed yesterday on matters of an official nature, and I take this occasion to say what I could not in that way. First, and Road affairs - indeed my going over seemed to be very opportune, as it was seriously talked of closing the works, so long as W. C. had a voice in it - from all I can hear, there is not the smallest chance of his being returned at the next general Election. Tirarau is still full of animation, and insisted on escorting me down to Parore's place, who also I found in good case, and willing to assist - And now a word for myself. I shall be glad when you can make convenient to send me a Letter of Appointment or a Warrant - I fear it is almost too late for a Gazettee, (a letter would suffice) altho' I saw Clarke's name gazeteed as Under Secy: and please to say whether I can frank -hitherto I have abstained, but often find it very inconvenient. Natives generally quiet and contented - but frequently asking for Flour, Sugar, and Tea, in advance and in this way their Pension is proven a great comfort to the Old Men; The Waikato news I leave to Mackay and Mair, who supply the latest - Poor Dr.Dent died on New Year's Day at Waimate - I fear I shall have wearied you with so much dry official repetition, and finish by subscribing myself, Sincerely yours, H.T. KEMP to the subject of the Confi: Memo, concerning wh. I briefly replied by the Telegraph, Major Green informed me yesterday that owing to some similar enquiries he had been commissioned to make through a Solicitor in Napier, the fair Lady had been removed from S-s quarters, and concealed elsewhere, so that until some little time elapses, her present whereabouts wd. probably be difficult to find, and that the Gentleman in question, is one of that class, who has become callous to anything like shame, and therefore claims no social position. Many besides myself think that Williamson made a fatal error when he selected him as his Premier - And now touching Provincial matters; Williamson as you are aware succeeded in obtaining a Resolution of the Council in support of his desire to have a voice in the purchasing operations going on within the Province. I had occasion to see him the other day, when he called my attention to your concurrence conveyed but very recently and that notwithstanding you had objected to my holding correspondence with the former Superindt. I did not on this occasion hesitate to comply with Williamson's request and sent him a Simple Return, omitting the price paid. I cannot of course say what your own views are, but I think the movement simply means this, a desire for powers, and above all the handling of the Cash; Easily led I think - a mere tool in the hands of his M. Council. The whole thing would be looked upon as while it lasted; I am inclined moreover to think that the purchasing system should be through the country - especially with the Native Race, with whom a really means confusion - There would seem to be no objection to Supernts. indicating the acquisition of certain Localities, leaving the Crown to do so, as policy, or other reasons might suggest. I shall feel glad to be favored with your own views. I leave for the Bay today chiefly to get an important Money Sub voucher signed by Marsh Brown, and to let him see the Designs and Specifications for his Mill - also to see the sellers of the Waitaroto Block, in which the Representatives of the late Tamati Waka and Patuone are concerned; also finally to settle Heremaias Timber Case. I trust that you will speedily direct the payments due on the Kawa Kawa Block to be made, so that Tenders can safely be issued. Its success will be gratifying to yourself and Govt. - On my recent trip through the Whangarei Country, Wairoa, and Kaiha I saw all the principal men who felt flattered by your deputing an officer specially to see them on the Land