Wellington, October 14, 1865. My dear Mr. McLean, I have to thank you for your letter of the 7th instant in which you kindly consent to lend me one hundred pounds. I can assure you that it is a great relief to my mind to know that you will do so, as I do not know what I should have done if you had refused. You say that you cannot conveniently do this until after shearing and I should be sorry in any way to be the cause of inconvenience to you, but I do not doubt that I shall be able to struggle on until then - I am very thankful to you for your kindness and can assure you that I will adhere faithfully to my agreements - If you can tell me in your next letter when you will be able to advance me the money it will be a great help to me. You will of course hear by this mail of the Ministerial crisis here, of the resignation of the Ministry and of the reins of Government being now in Mr. Stafford's hands, supposing that he is able to form a Ministry - Concerning this nothing definite is as yet known - My own opinion on the matter is this. I think it doubtful whether Mr. Ward will join Mr. Stafford or not, At all events he has not yet made up his mind - In any case Mr. Stafford will not be able to carry a majority in the present House, and and his proposals will be to pass a Representation and Appropriation Act and to meet again in May or June next or on the other hand if the House will not agree to this and if they attempt to pass a vote of Want of Confidence an immediate dissolution will be the result and the Assembly will meet as soon as possible after the return of the new writs- The Governor has, I believe, consented to this - I am sorry to say that the principal cause of this crisis is Mr. Weld's ill health - I do not suppose that he will stand for the next Assembly. I should not be surprised if the next mail brought you news of the dissolution. Believe me, My dear Mr. McLean, Faithfully yours, George Friend.