think of any objection politically, on reflection it will seem as clear to you as to me that we can have no more North Island man in our Government, let him be who he may. We are off presently. You may depend on full information from me by every mail. Be so kind as to order the ''respective officers'' to take some trouble about the plans of Auckland &ca. The more we have in the shape of late information the better will our chance be. Mrs. Bell has revived wonderfully with the fine weather and sea breeze the weather could not have been better and I hope she will be all right by the time we reach Melbourne. With kind regards to Mrs. Fox I am yours always truly, F. D. Bell Hon. W. Fox