Monday 20th Dec Mon chere frere Just a line to say how glad I was to get all your letters and telegrams but cannot cease to be anxious until the contest is over. Trust you are not in any way exposed to the glare & heat of the town. It is getting very hot even now. It is pleasant having Mrs Shepherd. Have you seen Mr Orr or many of the country people? If Mr Crawford comes to spend a night or two this week. Wellington saw the last of the good old people. Mr T sailed yest. with lovely weather. Hope it will be the same with them all the way. Douglas should be cautioned not too risk too much. He is so enthusiastic. He .... needs do everything over much. Am very glad he will escape the game this year. Saw poor Sir James Ferguson in earnest conversation. I hear Capt F has sold out of the Manawatu. In haste Annabella