Derwent Lighthouse,
Jan 22nd 1885
My dear Mother,

Glad to hear that you like the photos and will send one for Maria next time and can tell you that your wishes with regard to calling their parents Father and Mother will be attended to as papa and mamma is too common here. I have to tell you that I received your last letter about the parcel on Thursday last and on Monday the S.S. "Nurgahan" passed up Willy and a friend went down to the wharf as soon as she came alongside and saw the young man, and his sister and got the parcel. Some friends who went with Willy were greatly taken with the new arrivals and asked them up to tea. The young woman has got a situation but had we known sooner she might have had a better but we will try and look after her interest as they seem very nice people by all accounts. Mr Shoobridge Incumbent of Trinity visited them at the depot. The young man has not got employment yet but soon will I expect. We received the parcel today and thank you all for the little presents not forgetting the love and remembrances of Aunt Ewart. I also received yesterday per mail Armagh paper with account of Miss Irwin’s death and I remember her at Miss Lascelles when I was a little boy. I have not had much opportunity at attending the flowers or plants as when set they have to take their chance. I have not the lilies you mention but very fine Christmas lillies, the stalk grown 6 feet high and we can see them in bloom at ¾ of a mile away. I found some melons springing up on the sand. I suppose the seed was thrown into the sea, so I transplanted them and they are growing nicely. Willy is gone back to school;. The weather has been very hot lately although we have had a great deal of wet. I hear that you are having a severe winter. We have telegrams every day of general events at home and we know when ships are laid on for this place, when they sail and when to expect them. This last is I think the 5th Belfast built S.S. that has come here. There are a wonderful number of visitors in Hobart at present from the other colonies. Fruit is very cheap this year too cheap for the growers. Raspberries /1d per pound, tons on the trees not worth picking. I suppose we have made 1 cwt. of jam already but I will send some in a box when I get the opportunity. I hope that you and all at home may be preserved during the severe weather and again thanking all for their nice presents and hoping this may find you Sisters and Brothers in good health and with love from Chris and Children,

I remain, Dear Mother, ever your affect son,

James C. Parkinson.

Kind remembrances to Joe and Sophy.