Iron Pot Lighthouse
October 22 1878
My dear Mother,

Once again the mail has brought me your letter safely and I am glad to hear that you continue in health. Hope that you may be preserved from the severity of winter weather, and also hope that by this time you will have received baby’s Carte, I am sure that nothing would give all of us greater pleasure than to see you but as you say that is in the hands of a greater than us but nothing is with Him impossible. A few years back if anyone would have told me that I should be what I am I should have found it rather hard to believe. As I always read over your letter over again when writing I find the first query is the ages of the flock. Anne Catherine born July 31st 1868. Pity it had not been two days later! William John August 8th 1870, George Samuel Shannon December 7th 72, Maria Christiane August 12th 75 and James Cumine October 3rd 77. That’s the lot and I hope that God may give me grace to walk humbly before him and do my duty to them.

I am glad to hear that George continues in the enjoyment of good health and hope that he may be made very useful. Mr Matthew has forgotten to write to you as he arrived in London I think about the beginning of May, and sailed for this port 27th of July on his return but there are always vessels in berth for Hobartown. Only I suppose you do not see the London papers. Well never mind he or someone else will not forget next time they will have something to forward. Miles is now Captain of a fine ship trading between New Zealand and London. I told you in my last letter that Annie has gone to school. She likes it very much and is quite at home. We had her first letter last week. She is at a first class school and Mr Babington is very easy on me with regard to her board, and although it will be a considerable expense yet I have enough and to spare. I am sorry to hear that poor Sophy is laid up. Joe wears wonderfully. We have had a slight change in our pay lately, I forgot whether I mentioned it. I now get paid annually £135 per ann and in three years from last July five pounds more £140 provided I behave myself which I think I have learned to do. My first Assist. £85 and 90 in three years and 2nd Assist. 75 and 80 in three years, not bad money where there is no rent nor firing or water or cooking articles to buy.

I am sorry to hear that your garden produce was a failure. Ours will be pretty good this year but the ground is too new yet, and I have not had much opportunity lately of attending to it as the weather has been so severe. I received the pansies very pretty, and now dear Mother I must bring this Epistle to a close hoping that it may find you all in good health. Chris and children are well and send their love to Grandma Aunts and Uncles and with love to sister and brothers.

I remain, dear Mother ever your affect son, J.C. Parkinson

Oct 26 the Lufia has just passed up to town from London.