19 Anerley Park
Norwood SE
London
1 September 1888
My dar Alec,
We had a letter from you some time ago dated 20 June – this is the last we have heard of you or Chris.
I am leaving on the 29th on another voyage and Archie is still Chief. The ship has filled up with passengers and freights are better than they have been for a long time so that we do well.
All are well at home. Jean was married a fortnight ago and Jesse has gone away on a round of visits of course. She only comes here as a visitor after this.
May is still in Germany but may come home in a months’ time – it depends whether she can find another family to live with as a teacher of English. She complains that you do not write.
Your description of Croydon and its inhabitants is amusing, but I suppose things are much the same in all newly settled places.
Your late principal Fragge(?) was a disreputable creature to be associated with. I hope you will keep clear of all men of his class. You do not say what you are going to do when you sell off the dry(?) stone. When you write to me at Melbourne say what you think of turning your hand to. You may see that you can do something better than be an assistant with Chris. It’s impossible for me at this distance to advise you. Find out what you are most likely to be successful at and strike out for yourself. We hear so little of Central Queensland here and your papers give no news about the places that gives one an insight into the doings.
The cold you describe is even worse to bear than the extreme heat of summer. I hope you managed to feed and live comfortably and keep yourself in good health.
Did your Certificate from school reach you? Write as often as you can to the people at home and see that your letters are not overweight. The last four of Chris’s and yours we have had to pay a 1/- extra and (fine?) for. It must be under the ½ oz.
With love from self and Mater.
I am ever your loving and affectionate Father
Jas A Elmslie
The girls and boys are going to school. This month the Governess leaves us.
Your Uncle Walter is still at home idle. He has been ill for some weeks with a sort of boil on his face which has been very bad but is improving. I can’t give you any news of Bedford – I have not been there this year.