Auckland 12 December, 1876 My dear Sir Donald, Your Note of the 2nd inst. came safely to hand. Although regretting so very much your final determination to retire, I nevertheless hope, that as a slight Reward for a long and arduous official Campaign, you may find in repose and freedom from political excitement an agreeable and certain means of restoration to renewed Health and strength -- Having already kept you posted in general matters I have now nothing new to send you -- Your message to Hawthorne duly delivered -- having already been made officially aware of your arrangements on his behalf for which he expressed himself thankful. The final announcement of your Retirement brought Leaders in the Papers -- Copies of the X and I enclose by this Mail direct from Hawkes Bay -- The Herald as yet has said but little; Vogel I find has made himself abnoxious with the X people -- and I think this has arisen very much in consequence of the manner in wh. Proprietorship of the Paper itself was conducted, and finally wound up, prior to leaving for England -- In other respects I should judge from the late Premier's appearance that his Health and constitution had been completely sacrificed in the worry of political turmoil and excitement -- As for myself (should I not have the pleasure of seeing you personally within a reasonable time) I will venture to express to you my wishes, and at the same time to be guided by your counsel and advice -- In the meantime, I will endeavour to act in concert with your successor as your own Representative, until you shall have finally taken farewell of official Life -- Your Message shall be duly delivered to all Native Chiefs coming within my reach -- and now with the Compliments of the Season Believe still Faithfully yours H.T. KEMP