Iron Pot
October 8th 1883
My Dear Mother,

I received your letter dated August 8th and am glad to hear that you are so well and on the 17th anniversary of our wedding. I have to thank God for Many Mercies although I have indeed been a wandering sheep. May He enable me for the remainder of my life to live more to purpose.

Annie went up to town last week to see about rooms and she has got 2 that will suit as it would be too risky for Chris to remain here so she is going up in about 3 weeks with Annie, ……, Maria and Charley. The two boys will remain here as they go to school in fine weather. Chris has suffered a good deal this time but I earnestly hope that all will be well and that you may get your desire.What about a second name? I am glad you got the jam and should I be able to send another box the whole of the consignment will be to you. I hear the ‘Helen’ has arrived and suppose Capt. Crone will write to you as he is very nice fellow. I am very glad to hear that Kate is so pleasantly situated but am sorry as I gather from your letter that it is not permanent. I hope Sam will get on well with the tenants. In this country if the rent is not paid out you go. There is no complication here. I thank you very much for the floral letter which is very nice. We have got such a lot of the "Welcome" which is a very nice publication and were very much affected by the April number of 1882. The loss of the "Manitobah" its a story that hits home. On the first of next month our old light is to be extinguished and a new one put up. I think that I told you before that this lighthouse was erected in 1832 so we are both the same age.

There are a great many emigrants coming out here now and there is a steamer to run at short intervals from London. I think this is the most favoured on any Colony although it is rather hot in summer. What fearful earthquakes there have been. We have had very slight shocks.

I owe Uncle Edward a letter and enclose a photo for him which you will please send. I felt Mr Babington’s death greatly and was sorry that I had not seen him before he went. He had a pension of £268 but had a large dependent family and was not worldly wise but Government will give Mrs B one years pension to her so that ought to help her if it is used wisely. All the children are well and if they live will be taller than any of our side of the house. So with love to Sisters and Brothers Aunt E Joe and Sophy and hoping to be able to send you good news soon.

I remain dear mother ever your affect son.

J.C. Parkinson.

I do not remember ever seeing the spectacles