The Cliffs Nelson 17th. May 1873. My Dear McLean, Andrew has won the day and through him the present Ministry has gained a great triumph which is more complete as Andrew had a majority in every District, even at Wakapuaka he beat Collins on his own dunghill the numbers being Richmond 24 Elliott 15, Mr. Kelling retired from the contest only the evening before the Election therefore without some explanation, which there was not time to give, a number of his men did not vote, still more than two to one is a great success and sounds the death Knell of the Stafford party in this Province, the Members are now 4 to 2 in favor of the present Govt. and it is supposed that in the event of a dissolution neither Curtis or Collins would be returned I am glad Pollen has joined the Ministry and will lead in the Legtive. Council, you could not have got a better man, tell him he must have a good colleague one who can not only speak well but can stand a good deal of bullying for there is a strong opposition to contend against as the Division on many important questions of last session proves. I would suggest that the Ministry should be very careful who they appoint as New Members of the Council, the Govt. party is too weak to allow of any being added to the other side. Andrew had a Telegram from Jas. MacKay stating that he entirely disapproved of what his family were doing and did not want Elliott in - old Mr. McKay behaved well enough, he told Andrew that he wished his party to return the Member but promised not to vote against him, not so that stupid fellow Collins he appeared to have set aside all former friendship and instead of following his Father-in-laws example he proposed Mr. Elliott in a speech that I fancy he must be ashamed of now and employed himself all the day of the Election in conveying the Electors to the Poll in his own carriage, what dirty work some people will go through for party. I am glad you do not apprehend much difficulty from the Waikato murder I was much grieved at it for I thought we had done with such outrages but I never attached any political significance to it but you may depend upon it the opposition will. I suppose our new Governor will arrive before the opening of the Session. I had a letter lately from our old Governor Sir Thos. Browne and another from Lady Browne both speaking highly of Sir James Ferguson all his antecedents are favourable and point him out as one well fitted for the appointment. Believe me, my dear Sir, Yours very sincerely, M. Richmond.