at the head of the Poll. He is in a great state of excitement at his success and it is just as well your Election is over or the beggar wd. have been likely to give trouble. He expresses great regard for me but know him pretty well. Ferrard is out of this Council and of the two I think I would rather have Colenso in than him. Buchanan has no seat as yet and if he gets in it will be by my assistance - The Colonel Russell family are making great efforts to get in from different places. Hamilton opposes Rhodes for Clive and not unlikely may beat him - Rhodes is in a great state abt. it - I am helping him all I can but he has made personal enemies of nearly the entire neighbourhood at Clive - Old Gordon is particularly active and vindictive against him - I tell you all this because you will be interested in our local tattle - Several of the Povt. Bay people express a wish that Randall Johnston should be called to the Upper House. He wd. be a very suitable appointment and it wd. give that part of the East Coast, at present by accident and past misfortune disfranchised from not being on the Roll, some chance of being attended to. I will write Fox and Gisborne if you will support. Always, Yours very sincerely, J. D. Ormond,