Wellington December 20th 1875 My dear Sir Donald Mr. Cooper will leave this evening. I think he has all particulars that he will require for sifting matters in the Taupo country. I have written Mr. Clarke fully on Land purchase expenditure, at the rate we are concluding purchases between £50 and £60,000 will be required beyond the vote. I will not further allude to the expenditure here. Mr. Clarke will no doubt put the matter before you - To day was the nomination for Wellington. Travers had fully one third more show of hands than Hunter, and Hunter about half more than Pearce. Moody had about four - Travers' chance has been much strengthened since Mr. Gisborne was defeated for Mayorship - He had made himself unpopular in the matter of education, and Hutchinson and party took advantage of it, there is no doubt but that Pearce and Hunters committee damaged Gisborne for Mayor all they could, in return Gisborne's party will do all they can for Travers, at present he seems to have the best chance and party go in for Travers and Hunter. At the Hutt, Hutchinson stands against Fitzherbert and unless he makes himself more popular than he is at present his chance of re election is not certain. His constituents complain he has never seen, has never addressed them while Hutchinson and his friends are working hard, even to personal canvas - It is said Fitzherbert is waiting for news this evening from Dunedin, before he will address his people. Bunny is up the Wairarapa his election seems certain. He and Andrew run together - Major Atkinson had a most satisfactory meeting at New Plymouth, tonight it will be at Hawera. Rumour says he is safe - I have not yet seen your speech but from what the Times this morning says in its leader, all went on well, of course, who ever thought otherwise - Everyone seems engrossed in election matters, in Departmental work all is going on well and smooth. Your Wairoa land purchases are a great success. I hope the Hangaroa Block and the Waihau Block will be settled then Auckland will have 300,000 acres of fair land to deal with. Yours faithfully and sincerely, Rich. J. Gill