Mon chere frere One has got a glimpse of you in today's paper distributing prizes with Lady Bowen making speeches etc etc. There was a beautiful article relative to the native and defence supposed to be written by Mr Fox in one of the late Independent. John McLean has made a renowned speech in favour of the great scheme goes into figures at an inormous rate. Mr Fox sent a reading of it here. Do get a copy of it. .. most undoubtedly is a tower of strength to any party. The Macs are making great strides up the ladder. I see by the home papers McLean of the "War Office" has been knighted. The Hawrick people will be pleased. Mr Tolemache goes today to Napier. Intends visiting "Aorangi". Mr Hart is complaining to go to England but business matters interfere in the meantime. Mrs Branigan talks of going to the Cape of Good Hope to her mother if her husband does not get better. Poor man. I trust he may. Mr Tolemache is so pleased at Douglas writing so regularly is sincerely interested in his improvement. I have seen him but once to speak too. He struck me as such a worthy good man. He was tremendously pleasant. A feeling of regret came over me that I should be removed from the influence of such good kind noble people. Mr Lean has telegraphed to and written to you in reference to the house. If they get a yearly tenant they intend letting it at once but that may not be so easily done as talked off. Howover it will be a pity to lose the house for a few week's rent especially as it suits you so well and you may want it sometime after the Session. In any case it will be well to secure it at once for there is a cry out for houses at present. I am yours in haste. Annabella McLean Wellington March 28th I do not think you would like this even if it was to let it would be better further to get a more permanent tenant. The tidee of events give no indication of your being able to be here much before the Session. Mr Fox does manage well. Your absence was felt more [?] when he was away. He has wonderful tact in almost everything. A McLean