Maraekakaho 8th May/61 My dear brother Your very kind letter I duly received & feel ashamed of having allowed it to remain so long unanswered. I have been anxiously looking forward to the pleasure of seeing you and your dear little boy here. You have no idea how much I long to see Douglas. His grandpapa told me so much about him. Dear Mr Strang I shall never forget his kindness. We spent a very pleasant time at Wellington. I hope ere long to see him here. Indeed we fully expected him in April. There has been no word yet of the arrival of the ship at Otago. I hope they have got on well at least the weather was fine for some time after they left. I was much pleased to see Alexander looking so nice when he returned from Otago before. He has been very kind to me and I like him very much. Poor fellow I trust he will do well. I hope Catherine will enjoy her visit. She would have prefered going at another time when Mrs McLean had not so many of her own relations staying with her but it was such a good opportunity getting down with the sheep that we all thought it better for her to go. I feel very dull since she left. I have not heard from Anabella since I came to New Zealand but I expect she is still at Glenorchy. I had a letter from my sister [Mrs] Walker last week and she said Anabella was still at her Aunts. I am sorry to say my beloved Father has been very ill, indeed I almost dread the arrival of the next mail. My dear Mother is also very poorly which makes me feel very unhappy. Mr Alexander & the Editor of the Hawkes Bay Herald were here on Saturday night. We see a great many strangers. This place is unfortunately too near the road. It is not friends or acquaintance who come but every one takes it on their way. Archy is always plodding away at something never idle a moment. He seems most anxious to see you, & I hope now that the tour is at an end we may expect you ere very long. Give my fond love to dear little Douglas. I remain my dear Brother yours affectionately C I McLean