Raglan December 23rd 1875 My dear Sir, Hone when here the other day requested me to renew deposit of his £200 in Bank for another six months. He thought he might require it before the expiration of this term to purchase his Kaipuke. I told him if he did I thought there would be no difficulty in the way of getting the money on the security of the Deposit - he appears very jubilant on this subject as on matters in general, believing that your next meeting is all that is required to make him the owner of a vessel. I firmly believe, and have done so ever since Rex came to Aotea, his whole heart is in your next interview with him, he is more than anxious from all I hear now, and from all I have heard since I saw him at Aotea, for its occurrence. Believe partial opening Kawhia follow your interview, that is, that this Harbour will be opened to Hone's vessel. Some time of course would require to elapse before the place could or would be open to public, one must follow the other eventually. As you already know I am expecting to see him - if I do, do so you may rely I will carefully note his demeanour, as also his sayings - I shall not be surprised to be the bearer of an invitation to you - I hope I may be so fortunate. As far as I can learn the Kawhia people generally would not object to the opening of that Harbour to their own vessel - but the Kuiti people are said to be a little opposed to it. There is no doubt Rex means to be the leader for the future, that being the case you and he combined can carry the rest in a very short time. You will pardon me, if I say, that should you get a direct invitation from him, you should meet him, at any rate half way. I think, by your leave, that it would be a pity to miss seeing him while he is in the humour in which he appears to be. I do not suggest this on the spur of the moment, but after careful consideration of the subject for many months. You will I know excuse my presumption, if such it be, I hope whenever I err, it will always be in trying to serve you too well instead of not sincerely. My fingers have been itching to place that matter re Sir G. Grey on its proper footing - but I could not see my way to do it without its being traced to me. Could I have done so, you may be sure I should have. I was glad to learn from the papers of your grand reception at Napier notwithstanding the acts of Messrs. Russell & Sheehan. I fear the late Waipuke will have left the natives in a great measure destitute of food - certainly so in the vicinity of the Rivers. Fancy five feet water in bar of Point Russell Hotel. We had a visit from Mr. Cox, who, I think, will get more support here than was at first anticipated. I believe he will however get it. Hoping to have the pleasure of seeing you at no distant date, and wishing you the compliments of the season, and many happy returns of the same I remain Dear Sir Yours very faithfully R.J. BUSH Hon. Sir D. McLean K.C.M.G. Napier P.S. Please excuse the corrections which occurred through old Hakaraia talking to me while I was writing this to save the mail.