Auckland 9 June, 1873 Dear Mr. McLean, The telegraph has almost superseded the use of writing - I think I have given you the chief Items of News within this Locality to the present date. The Native Mind is I think generally made up, that this recent outrage should not be allowed to pass over or be condoned, but they see and feel the 'difficulties' and responsibility of entering upon another struggle as well as ourselves. I think also that many of our best friends would like to remain Neutral - This Neutrality in many cases is more objectionable than an open and declared enemy - Nothing I think but the fear of our employing an armed paid Body of Natives, has prevented the disaffected ones from commencing active operations against us, while their avowed determination to make reprisals upon some of their own friends, has it would seem, diminished or lessened the sympathy of a good many in the Waikato District. From all I can hear, the Kingites are quite prepared for a Brush, if we will only strike the - I am afraid I shall weary you by noting these observations on Native matters, and now endeavour to give you a glance at what I think is the true feeling on the side of the Whites - Notwithstanding that there has been a good deal of Excitement and Rabbid Writing in some of the Papers, the mome considerate and thinking ones, really desire that anything in the shape of War should be avoided if it can be, and to await our own, and a better time for bringing all offenders to Justice - Mr. Williamson of the S. Cross who has just returned from a town of inspection in the Waikato informs me, that the disaffected Natives obtain readily, and correctly, all the Newspaper Intelligence and are in full possession of European sentiments and views on the present question - Thro' some of our own people - The Election for Superintendent and Member for the Bay is now the interesting subject - I. S. Mcfarlane - Jno. Williams, are known tobe out - Jack Lundon is fishing about - but will I think be passed over in silence - I. S. will I hope and believe come in - I shall know while at the Bay - White would I think have tried his hand, if his Retirement had taken place - and would be ready to fill a place in the Upper House if required - on our side McFarlane will no doubt be returned for the Superintendency. While he promises to do what he can to abolish - In this he will have the sympathy of a large part of the community - You proposed some time ago, that I should take some part with Wm. Cotton in the management of the Roads and Expenditure etc. - If you are still of the same mind, I think I could do so, and help Cotton while the works go on - especially while away at Wellington - From what I saw, there is some tendency to concentrate the Expenditure on particular line, instead of applying it to the construction of really necessary works. Hoping this may find you well, and will only add, that - "As so shall be" - Believe me, Faithfully yours, H. T. KEMP