Christchurch Canterbury 13th Novr. 1875 My dear McLean I am much concerned at having to recur so soon to the subject we talked about a few days before the breaking up of the Session, viz. Andrews appointment to the Legtive. Council, but I have just received a letter from him an Extract from which I forward to you. Extract. "About the Suburbs there is considerable doubt in my mind about the chance of my success, I took the opportunity of a Cattle show yesterday at Richmond to sound a number of the Electors and I find many of the best men pledged to vote for Route if he comes forward, which I think, from what I can hear, there is little doubt of - he will only give way in the case of Barnicoat coming forward, who would be the more formidable opponent, in fact one who it would be useless to stand against - In the case of Route, although in my absence he has secured some of the best working men who did my work last time, there perhaps might be a chance, but I think a poor one, besides it would be very costly and in the event of my being beaten it would shut me out from the Legtive. Council - do you not think therefore it would be better to urge upon McLean to gazette me as soon as he can, in order that I might retire with a good grace as early as possible, and in order to allow Wells, or any other Candidate to come forward, and canvass the District (which I would of course assist in) and do all I could to secure his return I am placed now in rather an awward position, having to tell the people that I am going to stand, and I fear it will greatly weaken the chance of our man, if the Electors are to be transfered from one to the other at the last moment'' - This Extract will place before you the position Andrews finds himself placed in - for my part I have the fullest conviction, after what you and Pollen have said that Andrew will be called to the Upper House, yet we cannot wonder at his feeling somewhat nervous and undecided how to act, and therefore McLean I would ask you, as an old and trusty friend, that if the Ministry are not going to Gazette the new Members for the Council soon, to have some definite intimation forwarded to Andrew by which he may be guided in the course he has to adopt - I cannot bring to my recollection one single instance in which you have not carried out a request of mine, but all former ones have been made for others, or for what I considered would improve benefit Departments - this is the first I have preferred for the advantage either of myself or any of my family, and in this McLean I take the deepest interest, as upon it depends almost the question, whether or not Andrew enters Parliament again, for the late hours of the House of Reptives. is so injurious to his health that he cannot stand it - he is now only beginning to recover from the effects of last Session, I am sure therefore McLean I can rely upon you for the sake of ''Auld lang syne'' to carry out what I have set my heart so much upon - Wells, the Candidate Andrew wishes to succeed him in the Suburbs, I think you know, he will be with te present Ministry, and with Andrews assistance will I think be sure to be returned, Route and Barnicoat are against Abolition of Provinces - the Candidates for the City at present talked of are Sharp Curtis Luckie and Sir Julius - both Andrews and myself have considerable influence in the Town and will of course exercise it in favor of two who will be with the present Ministry - drop me a line as soon as you can - Addressed care of H. J. Tancred Esqr. Fairfield Christchurch Canterbury - Believe me My dear McLean Your old and sincere Friend M. Richmond