3 Wynyard Street, Auckland 23 January 1872 Dear Mr. McLean, I send you by this Mail, some of the Political events of the day, as they have been, and what they promise to be. I will begin by saying that the "Evening News" Gillies and Macky's Paper has not ventured on another term, having collapsed before the old year finally expired. Johnny Sheehan (a Native born and bred Lawyer) and a Hot Opponent, has come out in the place of Farvale - Macky also for Waikato vice McPherson but he has not announced himself as yet. Creighton is Editing the Herald. The vacancy in the Thames not named. In the place of Kelly - East Coast I think - E.R. Johnson of Poverty Bay will stand, as he intimated his readiness to do so, when it was rumoured during the session that Kelly was disqualified from having become a Contractor. I have written to Johnson by this Mail, as they seldom get the news in good time - He is a supporter of the present Govt. and of yourself in particular, and a well bred man into the bargain - He wd. get good support in Tauranga, from the Clarkes and others, to whom I have sent word. I am becoming a little familiar with the different Political bearings, and am acquainted with the conductors of the Cross - which gives me and opportunity of suggesting an Idea, now and then, which they are often very glad of. As it is, by far the majority of the higher officers of the Government, are from old associations and politics mixed up very intimately with the opposition in Auckland. Nothing new, but severe droughts, and want of water. The School Act seems to have taken very well so far - have sent you copies of Communications bearing upon it - Dr. Coke's "Locum tenens" called to ask about it and said that he was not aware of any former act on the question. This also in a political point of view will be well received. I remain Yours sincerely H.T. Kemp