Here is a letter from A Freegard to my 3xgreat grandmother, Jane New, who lived in Pahi, Northland, NZ.
The letter is from 24 Apr 1908 -address - Newlands Farm, Blunsdon, Highworth, Wiltshire In 1911 he emigrated, newly married to Western Australia, served in WW1, had a family of seven children and died in WA 1970.
Dear Mrs New
I have taken the pleasure of writing a few lines to you after arriving home quite safe after a long voyage of Feb 11 leaving Wellington for home arrived in London April 11 / we had a rough voyage the engines keep breaking down and the firemen was taken ill through having bad water on board and we run short of food so you see we had a lively time but very glad to be home after that lot. Well Mrs New I must tell you a little about home a fares now. Sorry to say that I found my father still ill in bed. He went under his operation in December last but never be sight again. We are getting some very rough weather for April heavy snow storms to cold to please me but still I must put up with it as home must be see to. I only wish that Father was well I think that I would be soon having another trip out to see how it is later on. Well I suppose Pahi and Whakapirau is looking about the same and all the girls I have been visiting the old ones this week having great times. I hope you had a good day for Paparoa Show. Did you beat Mrs Coates sheep this year. I think it wants some of your Cattle over here as they are very dear not much of a cow for 28 pounds calves a wee old makes from 1 pound 18s to 2 pounds each meal 15s a sack. Things is looking up this last year they tell me. Well think this is all I have to tell you this time hoping this will find you all quite well also the young lady help as I forget her name. Please remember me to Mr New & Mrs New hoping we shall meet again some day. I am yours sincerely A Freegard
