Auckland, 22 April, 1850. My Dear McLean, I have just received your note of the 9th and was not aware you were still at Taranaki. I thought by your previous note that you had gone on to the Southward, and I did not write you by the last mail but prefered writing you by the Victoria which left for Wellington a week ago. The Victoria will go also to Taranaki, but perhaps not so soon as this may reach you. Sir George Grey has improved much since his return here, and I hope he will soon be as well as ever. Lady Grey is well. I expect Clarke will get an appointment in a few days but in the mean time he has met with an accident - he has fallen in love with a nice girl with a little money but he is too careless of money to do very well I am afraid. However the matter is their own and I will interfere pro or con. I received the small box with the insects you sent me. They are new and curious and for them I beg you will accept my best thanks for them and the shells. With respect to the Commissionership of Crown Lands I do not expect there will be any such appointment made for at least two years and in the mean time I hope you will get something better and as permanent. The same reasoning applies to the Registrarship of Deeds. I am glad you have fallen in with Capt. Richards. He is a fine hardworking officer full of humour and without pride. I shall write to him at Wellington. Yours truly, A. Sinclair.