Flaxmere Dec. 5, 1870 My dear McLean, When I had the pleasure of seeing you in Napier I spoke to you about my desire to obtain a Seat in the Representatives and you were good enough to say you would assist me if it chanced to be in your power. The Elections are approaching and as I am as anxious as you to take part in the legislation of the country in which as you know I have a large stake I write to ask you to mention my name to any Constituencey which may not have one amongst them desirous of representing it. We have a good deal of property in the province of Auckland, which may be a recommendation to Northern Electors and are well known in the Auckland district, Should there be no likelihood of a Seat in the Lower House I should be willing to take a Seat in the Legislative Council in which I hear there are likely to be several vacancies from one cause and another, I know Hawkes Bay sends three members to it already but as I hear there is often difficulty in obtaining men in the North Island who are willing to sit I should have no objection to call myself an Auckland man for the time being for as I said before we have considerable property in that Province. We all rejoice here at your success in keeping peace it is all that is requisite to make us go ahead again we are likely to have a brother of Hamilton's wife as a settler here, he is now coming out via Suez for his Health and if he likes the climate and the life will settle here. There is a charming couple of the name of Hood now staying with Hamilton who want an investment, is an old Queenslander and has property in Canterbury I hope they may settle here but I believe says prices are high. Believe me, sincerely yours, W. R. Russell.