Sobraon
Melbourne
6 January 1886
My dear Chris
I suppose you will have got the telegram now that we sent on the 28 December.
We had a very fine voyage, although a long one for we had very bad winds, and even when we were just off Cape Otway we were kept out for four days by a north wind.
I do not like Melbourne very much for as yet we have had only one nice day, all the others being either too hot or too cold. Yesterday the thermometer was 100° in the shade. Today it is 58° and raining.
Everything is very dear here and from what I had heard in England I expected to find fruit very cheap, while it is even dearer than at home.
I suppose the principal reason for my not liking the place much is because I have nothing to do, and because I don’t know anyone here. I shall be very glad when I begin some work, so I hope to hear from you soon.
I have been wondering for some time whether you will suddenly turn up one day. I shall see you soon anyhow so it is not any good putting much news in this letter.
The four kids are alright and received your cards. I cannot see much of the country from where we are now, so I have to fancy what it is like. I should from your description of New Guinea that that is a very nice place.
Chris Tatham is down here very often and at first we used to have a good many of the passengers coming down, but now most of them have gone away.
Hoping to see you soon,
I remain your affectionate Brother
A B Elmslie