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Letter
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PO 1 Thorndon Dear Tom We duly received your welcome letter, and though only written in pencil, was gladly read over and proud we were to hear you were in good health with plenty of Grub and we only hope you like your employ and your employer, as you justly say the time will soon slip over. We are all pretty well and have missed your company very much, we all dined at Walsh’s on Christmas Day and enjoyed ourselves pretty well, Roast Beef and Plumb pudding. I saw Mr Cemina yesterday and he told me he had received a letter from Mr Fitzgerald, it seemed you had opened the store and doing a good stroke of business, he has ordered Cemina to send him a Kupe – I offered my services but he told me that no one would do if they could not speak the Maori language therefore I would not suit him. He has engaged the Gardener that was at the Governor’s for three months, he is a curious fellow and bad tempered and you must not permit him to order you about when he comes. I give you a hint in time, and should you feel uncomfortable make your complaint at once to Mr F. – don’t allow yourself to be put upon – I think Mr Cimina has some friends of his own he wants to put in as store keeper – Mr F. promised to look out for me when he went back but I suppose he has forgotten all about it. We have sent you some little remembrance from all hands which will tell you that you are not forgotten – your Mother met Capt. Douglas yesterday, he said he had seen you and would tell you when he next met you. You will be surprised to hear of the death of Major Baker, he was buried on Tuesday and all the 65th attended as well as all the police and merchants – he was Mr Hamley’s brother-in-law. Burgess is dead and was buried today, he died in the hospital. Merritt the Portrait painter is dead and was buried on Tuesday and Mr Pimble is not expected to live. Miss Holmes, your belle, is married to a Mr Shepherd, a Carpenter, and lives in Miss Sharps old cottage below us. She has often spoken of you and makes a pleasant neighbour. I wish I was with you. I am almost tired to be here and doing next to nothing, it is much worse than hard work. I am much obliged for what you say about money and I think I will ask Walsh for the loan of a little until something turns up. Be sure you write per first vessel and let me know how you are and how you are going on – don’t be surprised if you should see me if I can only get the chance – I am told that Nunn and several more are badly in want of people and would give very high wages, labour is so scarce – make some enquiry about this and let me know. The Port has been very empty since you left, but is now beginning to look very busy, the ship "Pudsey Dawson" arrived last week from London1000 tons and 90 passengers, several for Ahuriri and there are several more expected – I have had no letters, only a newspaper which I sent you – there are now two steamers, the "Nelson" and the "Zingarwand" and others expected from Melbourne and Sydney. The Russians and the English have had a dreadful battle, but the Russians were beaten with the loss of 1800 men, 1000 prisoners, the City of Sebastopol was taken by the British and the Russians driven out. The next news will be the taking of the Town of Cronstad or that all are at a standstill until the Winter is over – you will see pictures of these places in the paper I have sent you. Ciminu talks of going next month and I will write by him. Excuse a longer letter. I hear the Salipium is going and I have but a short time to spare to get your parcel off. Be sure to write and tell young Tors or the Sailor you know to call on us, or anyone that you know and send them up to the cottage. Mother wants to know how you live and how do you manage for washing and do you want anything and we will send it. Mother sends you 2 pair of socks. Capt Douglas will bring anything for you or take anything or any of the Crew. You must be very cautious about Boating. Your Mother and myself are uneasy, if you find it at all dangerous tell Mr F. at once or I will tell him you did not agree to do this work and you must not run a risk with your life. The Satipium is full of passengers and more going by the next vessel. We hope this will find you in good health and spirits. You must cheer up. Your time will soon fly over and then for 8/- or 9/- a day and no flies, land, cattle, sheep and pigs and a good cabbage garden. Your Mother joins me in kindest love and all the children send theirs to their dear brother Tom, not forgetting Walsh and Mary who send their kind regards – he often speaks of you. Janey sends her dear brother a little scented soap and apple. Mother will write next time – Anny is living with Miss Holmes at present and the other children at home. God Bless You and wishing you a very happy new year Believe us, your affectionate Parents Jane and EM Carruthers |