he set up, bought, or edited many newspapers. he set up the "evening star" in auckland in 1870. while living in auckland, he was elected to the auckland provincial council for the takapuna electorate, and he served from 21 november 1873 until the abolition of provincial government on 31 october 1876. he served on the executive council (10 december 1873 – 13 november 1874) and was provincial treasurer until his resignation from that post.