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Title: McIlrath, Edith to McIlrath, Sarah, 1901
ID4530
CollectionThe McIlrath Letters: A family history in letters from New Zealand to Ireland (1860-1915) [Bassett, McKee et al.]
Filemcilrath/49
Year1901
SenderMcIlrath, Edith
Sender Genderfemale
Sender Occupationunknown
Sender Religionunknown
OriginSpringfield, New Zealand
DestinationKillinchy, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
RecipientMcIlrath, Sarah
Recipient Genderfemale
Relationshipcousins
Source
Archive
Doc. No.
Date
Partial Date
Doc. Type
Logunknown
Word Count481
Genrephotographs, weather, family
Note
TranscriptThorndale
Springfield
February 23rd 1901


Dear Cousin Sarah
No doubt you will be surprised to receive a letter from me. However
I don't see why I should not write, when Jennie is going to write to
cousin Hamilton.
Today is miserable & wet, but of course it will not interest you, what
kind of weather we are enduring in Spfd.
We received our cousin Annie's photo about a fortnight ago. I could
have told directly who it was even had I not seen the name, because it
is just the picture of the photos we have of yourself and Hamilton. I
am sure we will always prize that photo. You may expect a photo of
our house & some of ourselves the same time as you get this. Try not
to look surprised when you have a first peep at us. By the photo you
will see mother sitting down, to her right is Olive dressed in white,
and Frank is on our pony (which belongs to us girls) Jim is the one
holding the bike, Emy & I are standing together only I am the child
nearest to Jim with my hand on the dog's head.
It is a splendid likeness of us even to the house, horse and dogs.
Emy thinks she is looking rather serious, of course it is her own
fault as she & I were trying to cultivate a smile, but alas failed in
the struggle.
Our summer has gone for another nine months, and Autumn with
the harvest has come round again. The boys have been very busy
this last week reaping and stacking, and I suppose will be for over a
month yet.
The Imperial Troops landed in Lyttleton harbour about three weeks
ago. Altogether they remained about a week in New Zealand, but their time must have been awfully precious as they could only stay
six hours in Christchurch, 44 miles from where we live. Of course
we did not miss seeing them. I think people flocked from all parts to
get a glimpse of them, as the town was just crowded. Among them
were the Irish Fusiliers. I cant say I noticed any of our cousins among
them. Was not the death of Our most gracious sovereign very sad, of
course she could not be expected to reign for ever.
How is it you never take a trip to see us, it is only a matter of a few
days journeying. I am sure there is nothing I would enjoy more than
a trip. Don't be surprised to see me call on you some day. We are all
enjoying the best of health, and hoping you are all the same. I must
conclude with fond remembrances from Father, Mother and rest of us,
to Uncle, Aunt and all our cousins not forgetting your worthy self.
I am your loving cousin, Edith McIlrath