Auckland 12th. August 1872. Dear Mr. McLean, As I propose to start to-morrow for the Thames and Hikataia, to see how McCaskill's case really stands in relation to the native claims, I wish, before I leave, to bring under your notice, one or two little matters that you may, perhaps, dees worthy of attention during the Session. In reference to McCaskill's case. I judge from what I hear outside, and hints that he has previously thrown out, that he would be glad to be relieved of the whole thing by sale to the Government; and that he has already made an offer (on behalf of the mortgagee, D. Nathan) copy of which has been forwarded to you by Dr. Pallem. I don't venture to express an opinion until I have seen the natives, the position of his claim, and the value of the Improvements. Next in importance is the Thames and Coromandel Foreshore business. A short Act, dealing in would remove many difficulties to its acquisition; and these difficulties have arisen at the suggestion of European Agents; and in this way way be easily met and overcome. Next is the Petition to come by this mail, the Ngatitiata. asking for powers to have their Waiuku lands; - something in the shape of an annual procium from this source would probably be the means of conciliating Aihepena, and through him, a considerable section of the Kingites, including also Pauhiao, and his followers. He has got all his things and is now fairly at the Kuiti. He is, I hear, not popular with the Ngatimanipoto. Some jealousy existing. A Requisition for the Waitoa purchase money I have also sent down. The £1 Remit given through the Customs at Wellington to Hargreaves at Waimate, Bay of Islands, is giving much annoyance to his bona fide Licensed Houses, and to his people generally. On looking through very carefully, everything bearing on the question, it seems to me that it is clearly an evasion of the spirit and intention of the Act. The difficulty also is in procuring ; as there is some risk and annoyance. I propose by way of trying the question, after seeing Inspector Thompson, to obtain McCormack's opinion; and then proceed through the Police, as the case may be. The quantity sold, is, I hear, very large, to the natives, and in contravention, apparently, of the Society, Local and General Laws on this subject. Old Patuone is, I think, better; and with a few comforts, will hold out this winter. It his world be sadding leeward, he will probably be buried at the North Shore, alongside Captain Mugridge. Paul is also getting better, and is able to attend at the office. We go into our new quarters in about ten days' time. Believe me Yours truly (Signed) H.T. Kemp. - a little revived. Meeting on Provincial Institution adjourned until today. Many people attended. Provincial party making their last spasmodic efforts; but the Public mind has long been made up. The papers , unite, including "the system", and many of the higher classes are determined to oust them at any cost. Sheehan, I find, is on Native Matters and carries but little weight, except with the Middle Class of Irish. Glad to hear that you have got Mr. Johnson with the Upper House, and will assist Mr. Hart in viewing things fairly and reasonably. I want very much to give Mutch (?) a dig through the papers here, if I see a good chance. Wishing you every success, whatever the changes may be, I am Yours faithfully (Signed) H.T. Kemp.