Auckland, 9 August, 1873. Dear Mr. McLean, By the Luna will arrive the new Member for the Bay Mr. Jno. W.Williams. It gives me some pleasure to be able to say, that altho' not an unqualified supporter of any particular Ministry, he has taken some pains to assure his friends that he is a warm supporter of your own views and public policy. I think you will be glad to know this in time. He is admitted to be the best of the family and from my knowledge of many years believe that you will find he is a generous and reliable friend -- He has of course much to learn in our school of politics in wh. there is much base metal in Mr.Williams you will I think find the genuine coin -- He told me at the Bay that he had always been opposed to Cullton's views before and since the Election and had told him so. London got a good show of votes -- he kept open House, but at whose expense I cannot say. J. S. McFarlane, as his own friends say, deserved to lose, taking no personal trouble whatever in the Contest. If he had done so, there is but little doubt of his neck and neck with Williams. He left everything to his friends, Webster and the rest, whose influence now is fast on the decline -- Many of the Natives at Hokianga polled for Lundon, none for J.S. For the Superintend's y Jno. Williams is believed to stand a good chance as at present. Everything quiet -- Paul anxious about his only surviving child -- very ill -- Haupokia expected tomorrow -- ready for passage by Luna. Old Waiatua and Hawke's Bay Natives wanting to get away, having just returned from Bay of Islands with some connections among them a Sister of old Hinawanu's (twice taken prisoner) you will remember his applying and coming up with you some time ago to recover the Old Lady from Bondage. The Hauhau King influence seems declining day by day -- An attempt was made recently by Tawhiao to levy a small Import or Duty on all produce brought and sold at Alexandra to Europeans but his people would not listen to it -- a sort of Hostelry or Market House for shelter, would I hear be very acceptable to Native sellers of produce from the Up Country -- and likely be one means of gradually reconciling and softening them down. The Surveys at the Bay have been I regret to say suspended for a few days owing to the sitting of the Native Land Court at which Mr. Fairburn the Surveyor had to be present I propose going down in a few days to make the 1st payment. Politics I think remain as they have been, favorable -- the Moderate party being in the ascendant -- The New Tariff causes some anxiety -- some irritation, and a good deal of grumbling! Hoping this will find you well, and with many thanks for past and present consideration, I remain, Faithfully yours, H. T. Kemp. Hon. D. McLean, C. M. G.