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Title: McIlrath, Matilda (Tilly) to McIlrath, Mary (Minnie), 1914
ID4539
CollectionThe McIlrath Letters: A family history in letters from New Zealand to Ireland (1860-1915) [Bassett, McKee et al.]
Filemcilrath/58
Year1914
SenderMcIlrath, Matilda (Tilly)
Sender Genderfemale
Sender Occupationunknown
Sender Religionunknown
OriginChristchurch, New Zealand
DestinationKillinchy, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
RecipientMcIlrath, Mary (Minnie)
Recipient Genderfemale
Relationshipcousins
Source
Archive
Doc. No.
Date
Partial Date
Doc. Type
Logunknown
Word Count474
Genrephotographs, weather, family, postcards, politics
Note
Transcript159 Edgware Road
St Albans
Christchurch
April 22nd 1914

Dear Cousin Minnie
I was delighted to hear from you some weeks ago, also to receive
the photographs which I prize very much, I think they came out very
clearly, some people think you resemble my sister Agnes a good deal.
The house comes out very well and looks very neat and trim in spite
of its age. We are just coming in to winter now and we are feeling the
air much colder, as yet we have only had two frosty mornings. I do
not think we ever have such hard frosts as you have according to what
I can remember my father & mother speaking of. Agnes and I were
just wondering the other day if the Killinchy school in Ireland ever
received the Flag that was sent through Lord Plunkett to them.
It seems rather strange if he never gave it. I expect he had so much to
think of when he arrived back from New Zealand that it really escaped
his memory, still you would think it would turn up amongst his
belongings. They are all well at Springfield and Lakeside. My sister
and her boy were in to spend a few days with us about a fortnight ago.
Cousin Emy has improved in health a good deal, but is still far from
strong & Jenny is engaged to be married, I suppose it will not be long,
to a farmer living in the same district. Uncle Hamilton keeps well,
he does not do so much work now except the garden. Your Father
seems to be of a much stronger build to either my Father or Uncle
Hamilton. I will post you now and again some post cards of views of
Christchurch, I am very proud of the one you sent of Killinchy village.
There seems to be great unrest in Ireland at the present times, according to the news cabled out to the papers in New Zealand. My
Father was always in favour of Home Rule for Ireland and others
again would say that Home Rule would be Rome Rule and it would
never do if Ireland got Home Rule. As for myself I cannot say, those
who live in Ireland should know best.
How is Uncle John, wife and family, remember us in New Zealand
to them, and please send me their address when you write. My
husband is quite well also Agnes she is much stronger since coming to
us. Now dear Cousin I have really no more interesting news to write
about this time, but I hope this will find you all well. Be sure and
write soon, as we look forward to hearing from you.
Accept warmest love and good wishes from your affect Coz
Tilly Smith

Mrs W.M. Smith
159 Edgeware Road, St. Albans, Ch.Ch.