Wellington April, 13, 1864. My dear Sir, I am much obliged by your favor of the 15 January last to which I am unable to reply at length as the mail closes in a few minutes. I notice what you say about a fresh contract for immigration and I trust you will make the best terms for the Province that you can. The detention of the Rangoon has been a sad disappointment and I fear it may be the means of discouraging the friends of the immigrants by that vessel from coming after them. I am satisfied you have used every exertion to protect the Govt. Respecting the loan the Govt. is under no advances from the Union Bank as yet and I shall avail of your hint respecting the disposal of debentures. The wool report is very interesting my arrangements for the sale of this seasonsclip were completed before your letter came to hand but I have no doubt I can recommend agencies for you from our province. We are quiet and going on smoothly at Hawkes Bay. In reference to public works we ought to issue the contracts for them in London instead of the Colony, a plan which I shall adopt when I have any large undertaking on hand. I have no time to add more at present. I remain Yours faithfully, Donald McLean.