—I wish that Lord Grey may say "No" at once. He will not say "Yes," but will keep you dancing between Yes and No till the time shall be gone by for going to Parliament yourselves. The announcement of your intention to do that in case of need, is most satisfactory. It seems to me quite possible that you should carry a bill for giving a free government to New Zealand. But all would depend on your going at it in real earnest. The Bill could be drawn in a few days. It should be brought forward by Stafford, I fancy, in order to secure his party, and because he is clever, high-spirited and popular. I am full of the various means to be employed for securing a majority. But really there is not a day to lose. I hope you will press Hawes for an answer. The great danger is their playing with you the tantalizing game which is their forte.

But I have an impression that if you go right ahead for an Act of Parliament, careless of all opposition, deprecation, and objection, you will thereby muster strength enough to beat page 58Grey before introducing the Bill, and get his assent to it. I know him well: and you may depend on it, that he is very like "a spaniel, a woman, and a walnut-tree—the more you beat 'em, the better they'll be."