s. s. "Lord Ashley" off Napier August 26th, 1865. My dear McLean, I an here again, but am prevented from landing by an accident I mot with in coming on board at Wellington. I slipped on the wharf, fell, and strained my lame leg so severely that I am unable to set my foot to the ground. If you could come off, I should very much like to have five minutes' chat with you. I am on way to Auckland, having had a satisfactory conference with the Government, - who, I find, are willing to support and oncourage the Asawa. I hear that it is proposed to send the "St. Kilda" to Tauranga. I suggested the advisability of getting the latest information possible from the locality in which it is proposed to operate. Indeed, it appeared to me that it would have been wise to send the force to Tauranga, and thence to Opetiki; which is within a day's run, and accessible also overland in case of unfavourable weather. I am anxious our people should know what is going to be done, and shall feel greatly obliged to you if you will get the accompanying packet forwarded by the "St. Kilda" when she goes. Would it not be well to communicate with the Arewa at Maketu, or Te Awee te Atua, if weather, etc., permit? The man. for the Opetiki Expedition will net leave Whanganui before Monday, the 28th. at the earliest. Excuse more, as I hope to see you, and writing is not easy, especially with so much motion. Always faithfully yours (Signed) Thos. H. C. Smith.