Rangitikei 8 December /70 My dear Mr. McLean, I have just received my letters which have been laying at Marton. You will be pleased to hear that I receive the most gratifying assurances from the North - but especially from Mangonui and Hokianga - They want me to go up as soon as possible - I also heard from McLeod, and I gather from what he says that he intends (if he sees his way) to try it - he tells me that Gillies is backing up Carleton with Provincial Money, and goes on by saying that Gillies and his friends are forming a strong, very strong opposition. That they had asked Judge Maning to come out - The old Fellow however is very urgent for me to go up, and says that he has 130 votes for me. We commence work tomorrow - Alex McDonald could not leave today as he has to attend an Inquest our friend Martin is gone - promising to come to me if I should want him - Peti also spent the night here, and through him I have given the others an Idea of the work before us. Hope you enjoyed your Trip - and with kind regards - I remain Yours sincerely H. T. Kemp Hon. D. McLean C. M. G.