An Introduction to Politics.

It was owing to the great interest which Sir Donald McLean, then Native Minister, took in Sir James that he received rapid promotion. He went on a trip to Port Awanui with that gentleman in connection with a Native dispute and, on the return to Napler (this was in 1870), the party called in at Gisborne, then only a small, scattered village. From Napier, Sir James was transferred to headquarters at Wellington, where he remained for about a year. Then he went back to Wairoa and again indulged in the outdoor life. It was in 1879 that he heard another call from Wellington and he accepted a position as a Native Interpreter in the House. Those were the days when New Zealand could boast of oratorical giants and, in due course, he added greatly to his growing stores of knowledge. Within him yearned a desire to become an active participant in the political arena.