Tauranga July 19th 1871 My dear Mr. McLean You will see that I have arrived here again - Weather very fine so far but threatens to be bad. I had a good deal of talk with St. John on board last night (at least the talking was pretty well on his side) He gave me a great deal of the Political scandal of Auckland and amongst other things states that old Swanson of Auckland is getting up a great deal of information concerning the Native Department, and amongst other things is possessed of evidence that I and Mair had been working against you during the late elections - and a great deal of stuff of the same quality. I simply replied - That I was quite prepared to meet any charge of what ever character Honorable Members might bring against me - and if they all partook of the same false character he named no one need trouble to notice it. St. John was a little talkative - and I know from what he said that he has been holding converse with J. A. Wilson. As I said before I do not think that your Government gets much sympathy from the head officials in Auckland. I must close this as Fairchild will be off presently. Very faithfully yours Hy. T. Clarke.