New Plymouth Octr. 7th 1872 My Mr. McLean I fear you would be much disappointed as to the result of the Egmont Election especially after my confident telegrams and will consider me but a poor discerner of "coming events" - There are many causes which contributed to Atkinson's success and to my being to a certain extent deceived - although at this end of the Province (Atkinson's own ground) we beat him by five votes. The main causes are personal connections and influence, the support of nearly all the officials here the grievances of certain Patea Settlers against your party who spared no means to secure the Election. And by the long space of time between the nomination and the Poll days - causing to a certain extent a re-action in Atkinson's favor by a warm and somewhat unfair recanvass by Atkinson's party - and a very strong personal influence exerted in his favor and strong appeals to the feelings of the Electors. These things caused Atkinson to poll more here by a great number than he would have done had the poll day followed immediately after the nomination. Moorhouse bore his defeat splendidly - and by becoming better known to the Electors and by his conduct both during the canvass and afterwards has become exceedingly popular throughout this end of the Province. (At Patea I cannot say from personal knowledge) and there is a general desire that he should be our member on the first opportunity. And this leads me to make a suggestion whether Mr. Carrington would not retire in Moorhouses favor, (after the session is over). Mr. C. being appointed a member of the Upper house - Of course it being supposed that this would be agreeable to Mr. Carrington's views he becoming a member of The Honorables for life - and thus without the bother uncertainty and trouble of an Election being a permanent representative of this Province - and that such a step would materially benefit the Ministry - the Colony and the interests of this Province - If such then be the case I don't think Mr. Carrington who has the real interests of the Colony and this Province especially at heart - would hesitate to accede to the wishes of his party - and I think a seat in the upper house would be agreeable to his feelings and a gentleman of his age and position in this Province. If this suggestion be acted upon it will be necessary to act with extreme caution and care (after the experiencesof the late election) in order to secure most unmistakeable support for Moorhouse before Mr. C. resigns his seat - Moorhouse I feel confident would come forward if he thought such a step would materially assist and strengthen his party and thus promote the interests of the Colony at large. I have little doubt of Moorhouse's return for the Grey and Hill if he came forward as he is exceedingly popular in that district but nevertheless caution would be the wisest course I have said nothing to him on the matter but he will confirm what I say regarding his popularity here - and will also explain many little matters concerning the late election - I hope you will let me know soon what you think about my suggestion - I remain Yours truly Arthur Standish The Honble D. McLean Wellington