Featherston
22/5/16
Dear folk.
I daresay you will wonder that I have not written before but the reason is that last week slip by before one could turn round, if the time goes as fast all the time we stay here it will not take a month or two long to slip away. Since I wrote before I have been supplied with everything that we are supposed to have so that I have enough stuff to nearly fill two kit bags, it is a nuisance looking after it all. The weather has been varied having had some good bad & indifferent. We spent two days drilling in our huts as it was too wet to go outside & my word standing on the floor does tell on the feet. Today is a glorious day & as I am dining room orderly I have practically nothing to do. The work all being finished before dinner the rest of the day is spent in watching that the tables & stools do not walk out the doors so you see I am going to spend the afternoon writing.
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Mell I went into Wellington on Sat afternoon left here at one & arrived there at five & got back to camp on Sunday evening at ten, this is a week end trip that we can get every week & I can tell you it is always eagerly sought after. Only a certain percentage can get away each week & if the same one wants to go every time & they have too many he has to stand down. Only five from each hut are allowed to go each week but that amounts a large number of men. There are two trains leave here, that is special troop trains, the first one leaves at one & returns leaving at half past six on Sun, the other leave a half pas five & returns at half past eight. The train I went by is far the best as one can have some time in Well. in the evening, all next day & then arrive in camp without losing any shut eye. Jess came out to meet me & in the evening we went to the pictures Jess & Miss Gilchrist, & self. they were very good too. In the morning the German took me through the gardens up onto the hill & then down through the town. It was a splendid walk and it was
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a beautiful view of the city & harbour we obtained from the hill, & it was a glorious day the harbour was full of yachts. In the afternoon Jess & I went to the Zoo & it to was a treat such rare animals & birds as there is there it makes one wonder where they all come from, in fact they are from all parts of the world. When we got home I just had time to have tea & catch the train. The folk there are all in good form, the German seems quite a nice fellow still he has to be kept at a distance. He gave me a cigar & a pipe of tobacco during our parade, and also took my photo which I do not expect to be much. Jess & Joe want me to go down as often as possible & at least once a fortnight but that is a big order when so many want to go & it is not worth it unless I cand get the night off. although the fare is only one & six. As regards my outfit I am well supplied having three changes under clothing; six pair socks, (three issued) four pair boots, two suits denim’s two pair putties, two pants, & tunic, & one hat. Also four blankets, dining utensils four towels and all other sundries.
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I have had two nice parcels from Jeannie & Jess, Jeannie having sent me shaving & washing & healing outfit & Jessie an air pillow, which is very nice to sleep on. Also three letters from them. The parcel from home arrived safely also papers, some of the other boys also receive Southland papers but none of them happened to be the same date. Also Ern’s two letters from Orepuki, he is in fine form is he not, also Kate I believe you said according to her P.C’s, what a fine trip she is having is’nt she. I am sending Ern’s on to Auckland this afternoon funny that I should write them on Thursday & the two letters to arrive one on Friday night & the other on Saturday night. It was here when I arrived on Sunday night & as Lottie wrote also I had quite a feast. Hope Lottie & Mary enjoy themselves also Ruth & Annie have a big time at the show. By the way the photos have all been arranged for, one dozen of each, glad to hear they came out alright. George will be able to tell you all about them & I suppose you will have seen him ere this.
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What awful luck for poor old Peter’s, he seems to be in the way in this life, he will be nearly out of his mind about it, lucky for him they were insured. You can sympathise with him for me – Mary. – I wonder if he has started the potato digger yet. What about, mama, I also hope her arms will be out of bandages by now, & Henry has become quite reconciled has he I only wish he was coming mounted so that I might see him dished up. About the race horses Tom I see none of them are coming up to Oamaru it might be as well to at the weights. Rather good nominations for Dunedin, also hope to hear some good tips before they come off I may consider having a punt. We have all got to know one another in our hut now & are just like one big family have some great fun. One of Jim Ronalds brothers is a member of my troop. This is about all the news I have just now. Give my best love to everybody & accept heaps of same for yourselves. Your affectionate Brother
Charlie.
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Hope everything is progressing favourably on the farm. Did Chisholm come to light. Ch. Not reading this over. I am hoping this will get home before Lottie leaves but it will take it all its time.
Ch.
