Waiapu December 11th. 1875. Dear Sir Donald, I have just got your note by the "Luna" I have not written to you for the reason only that I thought you must have quite enough to trouble you without private letters. I assure you that I watched the proceedings of last session with the deepest interest, and always enjoyed each fresh beating you gave the opposition. I think any sensible man must grieve to see one who had held the high position which Sir George Grey once did stoop to associate himself with some at least who it is difficult to suppose can have the welfare of the Colony at heart. The elections will cause a little excitement. I fear that Henare Potae has become quite too unsteady to be of any use in representing the Ngatiporou besides I dont think he can be trusted. I have been urging Ruka to come forward. He possesses the advantage of being educated and acquainted in some measure with our institutions and laws, is always sober but unfortunately holds no very high position as a chief. There is a sad want of leading men among the Ngatiporou and the curse of drunkeness clings to Chiefs as well as to those over whom they should exercise a beneficial influence. If Ropata were to try his chance he might perhaps succeed but he is so very much given up to money making nowadays that I doubt much if he would take the trouble. The natives dont appear to take any great interest in the election of a representative. Old Wiki said to me the other day when I spoke to him on the subject, that he thought lawmaking had better be left to the Pakehas, they knew how to do it - the Maoris were fools. The two things that most interest the people here now are trading, and leasing or selling land. They are becoming very fond of making money. The difficulty is to persuade most of them to make a proper use of it when they get it. The Lands Court will create quite a stir in the District, and if it is deferred as I hear till March, there will be work enough I believe to keep it sitting for three months. We have had the "Sappho" here for two days. Capt. Digby and his officers spent some of the time with us and appeared to enjoy themselves. There was a heavy Westerly gale blowing and they were rather short of coal. The Captain expressed himself very much pleased with the anchorage here. I have given you all the news I can think in this stirring part of the globe and will write again soon. All send best regards. Yours ever J.H, Campbell.