Auckland 16 April 1875 Dear Sir Donald, This will probably find you I trust safe and well at Napier. I send you Hawthorne's paper back by this mail - also Sir Geo. Grey's Speeches in Phamphlet Form; The people look to him as the probable Leader of the opposition in the House, and of the Auckland Squad in particular - Dignan returned yesterday by large majority against Dargaville - as a follower of the New and shining Light. I think that judging from outward appearances, he has thrown himself entirely into the hands of the Irish Party and old Executive - It is given out that Reynolds and McAndrew have already promised to join hands and think an impression is gaining ground, that - Otherwise things are quiet and trade anything but brisk - No gold of any account yet found - Mr. Rees - Solicitor who is a candidate for the Provincial Seat, got a tremendous drilling in the Cross of yesterday the 15th. He also is a Follower of Sir Geo. The attack is not in the most terms altho' truthful in the main - As you will have heard Manuhiri's wife is dead. Paul goes up in a few days - H.T. Clarke here on way to Wellington - Natives at the Bay holding a large marriage Feast. Ihaka te Tai's son - Hira te Popo returned yesterday to Opotiki - received all the attention you desired. Sheehan comes back in time for the Council, and McCormick would like to know something of the matters in view. Believe me Faithfully H.T. Kemp