last year. and that alone turned the scale and gave the majority. I wish you would let Young the Interpreter come down for a few days bye & bye. You may depend upon it that most of the Otago Seats will be very strongly tried for by the Provincial party, and Ministers must do as the Government in England does, and lend their weight and influence in the fight. I think you knew I meant to have gone home this year; but affairs are so serious and we are all so interested in the final settlement of the ''Big Question,'' that I have decided not to go yet. Believe me ever yours F.D. BELL Hon. Sir D. McLean K.C.M.G.