Derwent Lighthouse,
12-1-86
My dear Mother,

Hoping this may find you all well and that you have enjoyed your X’mas at least have had it cooler than we have had. This season has been the hottest that I have experienced since we have been here. There have been terrible fires in the bush and great destruction with heavy rain afterward, although it does not effect us much with the exception of the heat. But it is now cooler. There have been many excursions by steamer without accident with the exception of a small one in the river which was overloaded and a puff of wind caught her and she sank and 5 were drowned out of 11 passengers. We are all well at present thank God but I have had additional expenses lately that would, although with great reluctance incline me to ask if you could afford without inconvenience to yourself, to send me a few pounds as a loan and I would return it in twelve months, but if it would not be convenient do not do so. This is my hardest time but Willy will soon be doing something for himself and Chris is going up today to see about a situation for him as I am as yet the only one earning money it will be hard for a short time - but it is well we have our health and I hope in a short time to be all right again. So with love to all.

My dear Mother,

Ever your affect son

J.C. Parkinson