to remain here and do my old work. When I joined I said I wouldnt live at Wellington now I see clearly that if I go in next year I should almost certainly have to live there and I dont think myself justified in sacrificing my private matters as I shd. if I did so. I have a family growing up to look after and am bound to think of them. What I want you to do is to think all this over and let me hear your opinion - It may be it wd. be very advantageous to get some one from Middle Island for Public Works - for instance John Hall might take it. If the others would agree I shd. be only too glad, if desired I wd. continue in Cabinet and work at anything which wd. allow of keeping the Superintendency and direction of things here and of course work in House during Session. I wanted you to have got this at Wellington so that Gisborne and you might have talked it over - I should not have written about it now but that the time is approaching when I shall resign Superintendency and it is well to think it over before that is done - Our interests are so entirely one in the matter that it is your affair almost as much as mine - I take it we shall