—Your letter is like yourself—just what I expected.

It oddly happens that just before receiving it, I was present here at a meeting for Colonial Reform purposes, in which you happen to be much interested as a Protectionist leader and a colonizer and Colonial Reformer. A Society (composed of men of all parties) for the Reform of Colonial Grovernment is being formed. I enclose (quite confidentially) a rough proof of its programme, with the names of some of the Council, who have already accepted office. You, in your three characters above-named, ought to be a member of the Council. Will you? As I can't go to you, will you come and pass a day with me here, to talk over the whole matter, and New Zealand matters besides? I shall be at home every day this week after Monday. They want to publish this Society with the names before New Year's Day. Pray come to pass the whole day in peace, and sleep here.