Iron Pot 
May 20th 1881
My dear Mother 

Although I wrote last mail before your letter arrived I thought it better to answer it and let you know that we are all well and glad to hear that you have got over the severe winter. I see by the paper that the "Lufia" has arrived on the 4th of this month so I suppose you will have the jam by this and seen the medals that I got at the Melbourne Exhibition for it. I have not got time to write much as I am busy gardening. The weather has been so unsettled lately that it has thrown me behind so you must excuse this hasty scribble. We have had some very rough weather lately and an awful shipwreck on the NZ coast over 100 lives lost. The SS "Tararua" ran ashore at night by the Captain keeping too close to the shore and as there was a heavy sea the passengers had to remain on the wreck until washed off. No women or children saved. I have not had time to answer Uncle E’s last letter but you might let him know that I will write when you are sending the photo. The children are all well only some of them had a touch of the measles but they are very mild here. There is a Dr Agnew gone home from here and I think he belongs to Larne. He is only on a visit but is the principal medic here. So hoping you will excuse this as I shall write you a longer one next time. And with love from all I remain dear mother

Ever your affect

J C Parkinson

Love to sisters and brothers