Napier, April 2, 1871. My dear McLean, The Lord Ashley has at lenght come in, and goes on about noon. I cant tell you how many days she has been stuck at Wellington unable to face the Southerly gale we have had for the last week. There has been no rain but a steady heavy blow and the same at Wellington and all down South. The Luna got away yesterday but will make a long passage to Wellington in face of the sea. There is very little news since my letters posted a day or two ago. I heard from Featherstone last evening that we had postponed leaving until the 3rd May by the Nevada. By letters from Otago I see Bell is trying to arrange with Southern Members supporters of Govt. to agree to John Hall joining as Minister of Public Works and for himself as Speaker. My letters say the proposal about Hail is anything