New Zealand
Invercargill
January 9th 1863
My dear Mother

I wrote to you from Hobartown but I thought I might as well send you some news from here. We were only 7 days coming here and had a very good passage. We brought down horses and provisions and arrived all safe. The weather is warm and mild but as soon as I can get anything to do ashore I intend to settle. The Capt I am with is very kind and he was nearly getting me mate of a vessel, but the diggings promise well near this. I will perhaps try it this winter, but you can always direct to Hobartown. There is very good news from there and there is plenty of employment ashore. I am in excellent health and a strict teetotaller and I hope ever will. I have not much time to write, as there is plenty of noise about, but when I am in writing humour I will give you a long letter. Give my love to all and believe me

Ever yours affect

James C Parkinson