Letter from Settlers' Association.

Discusses the drought and epidemic among the Barkly sheep.

Gives Crewe advice about Crewe's own farm. Advocates the breeding of Red Poll cattle based on personal experience and introduced at Britstown. Smartt wishes to keep the loyalist English and Dutch together in the South African Party in order to defeat Tielman Roos and his party.

Smartt is disturbed at Cresswell's defence proposals and asks Crewe's views on the subject. Smartt is pleased that Crewe is looking for more yeoman farmers. He is in favour of a Convention to obviate the rut of party politics and force the Nationalists to show their hand.

If a segregation policy is to be followed the first crux of the matter is that land will have to be surrendered as Smartt had pointed out already in 1913. Smartt will visit Britstown on the 6th January.

Hopes Crewe has had good rains. Wishes to discuss important issues regarding the election with Crewe in Cape Town.

Hopes that the Three Rivers seat will be returned by the South African Party. Reitz is going to Port Shepstone.

Smuts will only go in an emergency.

Acknowledges Crewe's letter and is pleased that Cape affairs are going better. Is very over-worked and is not leaving South Africa just yet.

Has arranged a convict labour price with Railway Department for the road to the bridge.

Agrees with Crewe that if Jameson assumes party leadership there will be greater unity among the British. Feels that Botha is preferable to Merriman as Premier. Agrees that Gladstone should be treated in a friendly way and given every opportunity to know the true feelings of the British in South Africa. Long hopes that in the elections, the Liberal Government majority will be weakened.

Admits to Crewe that a Party Organiser should be appointed for Long's party. Long considers it a pity that Jameson accepted the honour refused by Botha. Long admires Botha's struggle against adversities. Compliments Crewe on his education scheme and hopes Crewe's health will improve.

Long has studied the history of the Bloemfontein Convention and concludes that the idea of federation was abandoned because it would have left the Central Government with no authority.