Derwent Lighthouse,
8th of July 1886
My dear Mother,

Very glad to see you write so well once again and to hear that all at home are such good health. Thank God we have no war alarms here as yet but there has been a fearful war of Elements in New Zealand for a long time past. There have been shocks of earthquakes here and at last the forces underneath have found a vent in a mountain near ........ NZ?. The lava and ashes have covered a tract about 60 miles and about 100 people have been killed. My cousin James lives about 60 miles from the volcano and has sent me some of the ashes. There has also been a deplorable accident on our main line of railway. The train was coming from the opening of a branch line and a good many of the principal citizens were in it when the engine ran off, capsized and blew up and the carriages tumbled down the opposite side. The driver and fireman are dead and a great many passengers are severely injured. The line is narrow gauge and a great many curves. The driver was cautioned about going so fast "40 miles an hour" when he should have only be going about twenty. The fireman put on the brake when the engine was at that speed which helped the catastrophe. I hope that before this reaches you the box pr "Helen" will have arrived all safe I am afraid the apples will be withered. All here are well. Tassie is a perfect picture. I wish very much that I had a photo to send you but George had a run up to town and got his taken one of which I enclose. I must also acknowledge Dear Maria’s letter and hope her sojourn with friends may have done her good. I am sorry to say that I have had to take to the specs at night. I fancy the glare of light and a good deal of telescope work has told on my eyes but thank God otherwise my bodily strength "is not abated" and health is good, and only for the little crosses we must all expect to meet with I am all right. The youngsters one and all are well and very good children and I send their love to Grandma, Aunts and Uncles and with love from Chris. I remain dear Mother Ever your affect son.

J.C. Parkinson

Love to Sam, George and sisters and remb. and Joe and Sophy.