5. Pa sends best love

Elsinore

September 9 17

My dear old boy,

Another Sunday and another letter and I have not received one yet. Surely you never called at Dunedin or I would have had a letter before this. it is wearying waiting so long for a letter and don't know where you are. I had to order another dozen of your photos. two or three said you promised one to them. So I thought it was better to get some more. I have got your enlargement home and I can tell you Norman it is a bonsor. I got a beautiful frame for it and show it off. I think you are going to speak to me at times. but alas it is only a picture and I am disappointed. I got a nice long letter for you on Monday from Mat and her boy. Mat left your office. I forgot his name so I posted it onto you. There was a mail to leave on the Tuesday. I suppose it woould go by it. He seems to be doing a lot of work over there. I suppose you have seen him before this. He is near the Australia House. Be sure to tell me all about your voyage. if you were sick and feeding the fishes and all the rest of it. I hope not. I hope you had a good trip. I don't think there is anything fresh since last Sunday dear Norman. Only Mr Fitzhardinge little son died last Tuesday. I was speaking to Mrs Ward today. She said she was coming up to see me one day. She is very nice. I like her so much.I gave her your photo. I think she will go up to Illma's next week for a few days. She has not been down since your Pa was in bed all day Friday sick. He was better Saturday and seems better today. Is it any use sending you the papers? do you get them? let me know. I will number my letters for the future - this is my 5th. see if you get them all. the strike is coming to an end dear Norm. I think they are all going back on Tuesday on the old conditions. Mr Fisher never gave an inch. I don't know how the men like it but it will shew them they can't beat the Government. no more this time. dear boy Pa sends best love and heaps from your loving and affectionate Mother

I do miss you and wish you were back