Copy. Heretoa April 16th. 1845 Dear Sir, Yours by the last mail arrived after I had left home for Wanganui, so that I had no opportunity of writing in reply. I should have written you before that time, but for the following reason. When on my return from my last journey to New Plymouth, I thought I recollected having suggested to Mr. Taylor the substitution of one word for another in the joint letter wo sent you from Ihupuku; and assigning as a reason, that I feared if we were not explicit, you might not come, - certainly not because I thought you inattentive to the duties of your office, but because I feared you might be so occupied with what was immediately before you, that you might not feel yourself justified in leaving that, to attend to matters at a distance, unless their importance was strongly urged upon you. Under this impression, I thought it better to defer writing to you until I had seen Mr. Taylor. My conversation with him upon the subject, confirmed my impression. It was this which led me to a statement, which being misunderstood, had a construction put upon it, which I never intended. I hope the above will be satisfactory, and beg pardon for any painful feelings of which I may have been the unintentional cause. Yours of the 14th. inst., I have just received, but as I hope to be up at New Plymouth (D.V.) next week, I will myself, if you please, be the bearer of the reply and of the statistics. Your former favour, together with the schedule I unfortunately left behind me at Patea on my return from Wanganui, but hope to have them this evening. In hopes of seeing you in a few days. I remain Yours truly (Signed) J. Skevington. To:- D. McLean Esq.