Maraekakaho 5th July 1861 My dear Brother I beg to acknowledge receipt of your kind letter of 9th June. I was exceedingly glad to hear that what little change I had been able to effect at the station met some approval. There is still a great deal to be done yet, but I feel confident were you once able to come here for a short time yourself that much good would result from it. You wish me to send you an account of the expences of the station that I have not the least idea of as I do not know what wages the men receive & besides some weeks we have not many strangers and at other times the house is thronged with people. The natives are a great pest here. I have been doing all I could ever since I came to lesson the number of those people, and I have so far suceeded. Archy has done everything in his power to prevent it, indeed he is most industrious and anxious to turn every thing to the best account. I received a letter from Catherine today. She is well but very anxious to return. I am afraid her visit has not afforded her much pleasure. They were expecting Alex to arrive daily at Christchurch but she had had not heard from him since he left. I am glad to hear that Douglas is making good progress at school. I do hope when you come here you will bring him with you but I fear the unsettled state of the country will interfere with your coming now every thing seems to forbode events of a strong character amongest the natives but I trust no serious disturbance will take place. I am thankful to say that the last accounts from home brought were favourable accounts accounts of my dear father's health. I trust you will write to me often. Believe me to remain Your affectionate sister Catherine I McLean