Iron Pot,
June 26th 1882
My dear Mother,

I received yours of April 10th and was glad to hear that you and all at home were well. Annie has been up in town for a fortnight as she has had a general invitation from Mrs Snowdon, Mrs Cunningham’s daughter. We may be able by and by to get her 6 months in a good school and she will not go back to her music as she had the peanette I should like very much to see you all again but I am afraid that will not be, but I feel more and more the necessity of securing a passport to a happy meeting hereafter. I have no friend in office now since Mr B’s retirement. Only the ‘One above’ and the only thing I can do is to make the best of my situation and there are worse. A good many from all parts are making this country their home as it is so healthy, and there is no shooting people from behind hedges here. We have had some heavy gales on the coast and a good deal of snow but it melts as it falls although in town it remains long enough for some to renew their boyish amusements. The temperature must be different from home although this is the middle of winter peas are shewing above ground and the gooseberries are beginning to burst into leaf. Do not trouble yourself to send a box but if you have any thing that you wish to send you could make a parcel of it if Capt. R is civil enough to send you word.

I had also a few lines from Kate. The only reason I have for not urging her to come out here is that you would feel the separation, but as far as I can judge there would be no fear of her not getting a situation as I think I have influence enough to do that. The ‘Orient’ line is the best, and if ever she determines to come and the passage money is an obstacle I will try and do a little towards it. At any rate should such a thing happen she may be sure of a hearty welcome from all hands, but I think there are sometimes opportunities of coming out with families. I wish Sam every success but it must be a hard fight for a while. We are busy at the garden now but we have suffered much from that pest of the colonies the rabbits. All here are well at present thank God so with love to sisters and brothers Aunt E and kind remembrances to Mary O. and Joe O. Sophy.

I remain Dear Mother,

Your affect son,

J.C. Parkinson.

Love from Chris and Children to Grandma Aunts and Uncles we will send some marrow jam next year.