Auckland 26 July 1882

Dear Lucy,

I am writing in the Vincent Street dining room, as we are here this evening to tea. Grandpapa is away at the Bay, having been sent for to Cousin Edward Clarke who it was feared had an attack of typhoid fever, but from a telegram received from the Bay today, he is much better and it was only apparently over fatigue from watching at the bedside of Cousin William’s wife who you doubtless heard passed away some few days since. So Grandpapa will soon return again. We are so sorry to hear dear Lu of the account of you, but we trust that these painful symptoms will soon pass away and we are hoping that the next accounts will be far more favourable, and that you will be able to come up, as I need not say, we are all wishing. Mrs Douglas tells me today that her sister, Mrs Mack of Dunedin, is coming up on a visit and I am going to send her a telegram tomorrow morning to see if you can arrange to come up with her. It would be so nice. Mrs D. says Mrs B would like it so much, as she always sadly wants a companion when she is travelling, and I am sure you would like her. If you could come we should just be nicely settled in our new house ready to receive you. We move on Tuesday next, and shall be very glad when it is all over you may be sure. Susie has just gone to chapel with Ada and Lena it being their prayer meeting night, or she would have written, they wanted her so much to go with them.

Fred left us this morning for another survey outing in Wairoa, he does not know at all how long it will take him but he hopes not long as the weather is very cold and has been very sick for outdoor work.

Yesterday I met Mr Broderick Sen in Queen Street. We were both of course delighted to meet each other. He really seemed quite affectionate. He left I believe this evening as he intended for Sydney, Hobart & Melbourne, for a change as he says as he was not by any means well.

Mother is writing to Em and will doubtless send you all the news I cannot just get on very well and not withstanding many cautions to the contrary Miss Fanny will persevere in chatting away, and you know that does not suit me though it does not make much difference to Mother who is scribbling away. The table is slightly agitated too as Miss F is arranging some clean linen on it regardless of consequences to us – My pen also is not of the best so I fear you will have some difficulty in reading what I have said. Give my kindest love to all and to dear Lu

Yr affectionate Father

F Nutter