Melbourne May 7, 1874 My dear McLean, Lady Bowen and I will be in the country until the 16th or thereabouts. If you arrive here before that time, I have asked Major Pitt and Capt. Machell to get you made an honorary member of the Club, and to have passes for the Govt. railways etc. procured for you and your party. I would advise you to visit (besides the Picture Gallery, Public Library, and other sights in town) the great mining centres of Ballarat and Sandhurst. Pitt will procure you letters to the local authorities etc. I regret that the new Govt. House is not ready and that we are now much straitened for accommodation, and unable to offer you much hospitality. Say "tena koe" for me to Ropata and tell him that the gallant services to the Queen of himself, Te Kepa, and other Maori chiefs, are appreciated in Australia as I took care they should be appreciated in England. Give my compliments also to St. John. I look forward with much pleasure to seeing you and hearing about New Zealand, on my return to town at the end of next week. You had better arrange to stay here at least till the end of May. I heard yesterday from Sir James Fergusson. very truly yrs. G. F. Bowen The Honble. D. McLean C.M.G.