Edie Sherwood Letters 1912

By John Swindells 08 Feb 2011 | Comment
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Transcribed as best I could.

Some Misc. items in her effects:

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Saloon Berthing card of 12 Mar 1912, Cabin 55, Berth 2. Miss Sherwood, Turbine steamer “Maori”
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Notice of the death of Rev. Charles P. May, Curate of St. Peter's Wolverhampton, Feb 1894-June 1903
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Feb 26th 1912: long letter from Mrs. Burn about arrangements to meet up (see letters later in the year).
215 Traflagar St. Petersham N.S.W.
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15 Mar.1912

My dear Miss Sherwood,
I was very glad to receive your letter though I did not deserve it & now I have kept you nearly as long. I hope you are very forgiving.

We are all glad to know you are having so enjoyable a holiday. I have often heard of the beautiful scenery of N.Z. & may some time take a trip over there if I an screw up my courage.

There are bars at the mouths of several rivers on the N. Coast of N.S.W. & I am very glad you were bar bound at Westport just for the experience, but am sorry you had so few fine days there.

Before you visit is over you may see even larger hailstones than you saw at Nelson. Sometimes they are the size pigeons' effss? & go through iron roofs. They do a lot of damage.

I quite thought fruit would have been cheaper in Nelson but it seems to be as dear as in Sydney.

Last time I had a letter from Edith she said she thought there was no chance of Maggie coming out. I wish she would change her mind. If she is well plagued about it perhaps she might.

More weather, …

We are all sorry your cousin is not quite well by this time. It must be a great worry to his parents. Still it's a good thing he is able to travel for his father. Remember us to him & tell him to take care of himself for his mother's sake if not for his own. Gilbert is the unwell cousin??
Something about Margaret not getting a patent, something to do with hooks, has given up dress making.

Regards from all & love from Maryl & self
Yours affectionately M. Cameron

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The Wanganui New Zealand's Scenic River
A. Harick & Co. headed paper
Tourist Steamer Proprietors

May 8 1912

My dear Aggie,
Well I wonder how you all are now. I do hope you are keeping well....
Well, I left ChCh about 2 mths ago. I was to join a Mrs. Burns, about 60, but so active & her daughter, Marion, about 34. When I reached Wellington I found the Old Lady very poorly, she'd been having mushrooms, her daughter hadn't reached her – as she was away in Sydney expecting her in every day. So we thought it best for her to wait a week, of course. I didn't want the responsibility with the old girl, so I'd had a line from CN Reed & his wife (Beattie Reed's brother) to ask me to spend some time with them so off I started. Another of Mrs. Burns' daughters' Mrs. Leaver came to see me of & got me a good seat....

We reached Auckland about 7 AM. Next morning... Then I took train to Helensville, Express, 7AM. Til 10. to do 38 miles. Quick wasn't it. Here I took small steamer down the river Wairoa & again it was wet. I reached Dargaville about 6 PM. Harold was there to meet me, there was handshaking & hugging I can tell you – it seemed so nice to see an old familiar face. When we got in a tiny mite 18 mths said “How do, Aunty Edie.” She ' a good thing they just gots? about..... Harold had put the clock back an hour. He knew we'd have plenty to talk about. I stayed 3 weeks there, over the Easter Sunday. It's very much warmer up north, took to my cotton frocks & one day I sliced the collar off it was so hot. It is quite a country place, just one shopping street, such as the shops are. We went over the Northern Wairoa Creamery & most of the butter is exported, so if you ever see any about, you know its from a a very clean place, all worked up by machinery...

Saw mill... Kauri Forest....bullocks for drawing the timber, teams of 30 & 40, it was a sight (I was mad I'd not taken the camera with me, I only thought of being in Dargaville 2 or 3 days, so didn't think it worth while. Gilbert was lending me his I left it in Auckland, now I've lost sight of it. I wrote for it to be sent to Rotura & when I got there it hadn't reached, so have written after it again. There's been some misunderstanding about it. I'm jolly wild, however I've got to grin & bear it, but I have wanted it so much....
doesn't sign off properly, missing page??

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Miss Sherwood, c/o Mr. F. Manttan

PO Box 148, Telephone 1826, “John Manttan Jewellers' and Watchmakers'” headed notepaper
119 Worcester Street, Christchurch, N.Z.
May 8th/12

My Dear Edie
Just a line, 4 o'clock when I remembered I had not written, & we wanted to send the cheque, so I have rushed down to office. We had Willie over last week, he left on Saturday. He is taking a larger shop in a better position. Gilbert has gone on the W. Coast trip. We were hoping Harry was doing well, & now he sends word he has only earned £7 in six weeks. The people have run out of mailines? As well. He is very disheartened. Ethel called at office yesterday, with Ella Johnston, to see your uncle, but he was out. The S.S. Super- has been, after you several times. I will write to Violet soon. I was so pleased to get her letter. How pleased Pauline must be to have you while Frank is away it will be nice for her. In haste
With best love to all &
kisses for the children from
Your loving
Auntie Rachel

Please send my love to all
at Old England
ask Gertie to send an aeroplane

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Kahui Road
Mahotan
Taranakin

May 28?th 1912
Dear Miss Sherwood -
I was very sorry to hear you could not go with us to the mountain. But hope you will not disappoint us all together – will you come and stay with us when your cousin returns home – we shall be home then – it is a very pretty place where we live & only a few minutes walk from Mahotui? – it is a lovely drive from N. Plymouth.

I wonder if you know our Vicar he comes from Wolverhampton, his home is Addenbrooke – his brother is Curate at St. Peteres – we have also met a W. Edward themil? Formerly of Wolverhampton.

It is strange how small the world is – how do write? Aud? Say? For? Hills? Come?, fit? from owl? times for it will be tase? to suit us. We shall not go away again this winter.

With kind regards
Yours sincerely
Amy Dawson

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Lovely postcard,
Wolverhampton, July 1912
Erin Go Bragh etc.:

Dear Aunty,
How are you you. I am sending
you a post-card.
When are you coming hom [sic] we shall
like to see you.

Love to all, from Billy

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Miss Sherwood
c/o Mr. F. Manttan
Gouville
Wanganui

postmarked Christchurch June 6 1912

My bed 7.40
Queen's Avenue
Fendalton
Christchurch

June 4th / 12

My Dear Edie Bernice's room 2.30
You had better hurry and come back I am waiting for the cleaner Harry is going to send us by you. He is living at Derwent St. Island bay now. There are cobwebs and dust everything so hurry up. Miss Annie of course. His business address is 12 Berings chambers. Willis St. When are you coming to take me to Timaru. I fear you will not get home much before Christmas. Is it strawberries & cream you are wanting for Xmas, no raspberries I mean. You will have plenty again if you will wait Your poor Uncle's rheumatism is very bad, he foolishly walked to church on Sunday night & nearly fainted when we got out. He had to take the Piccanton car to square & come home by Fendalton. I have hunted up my medical books & think the remedies suggested there will do him good. One is Harold Chelsea pensioners recipe for Rheumatics, & he will also drink lime juice & rub with acid & olive oil. Poor Annie is fixed with her leg as well. Your Uncles is better resting at nightk but she cannot rest for the pain. We are three poor old gannies. They might give me the pleasure of enjoying my bad legs without wanting to share. It is not worth while for they have no one to wait on them. 2-30 Knock at door. Annie in bath enter Mrs. McKenzie so no letters were finished yesterday.

Wasn't it too bad, your papers go put back into the drawer again. There is me this June 5 morning but no letters, which I will send on with a card from Dargaville. Poor three kings & a man had a bad night with his leg, also Annie, didn't they carry on about the beautiful medicine I got for them, they had to take it last night & wouldn't this morning “the babies”. Well dear Edie I've a lot to say, I can't bring out any inspiration. Please give my love to Frank & Pauline. Also the Children. I will write soon to them. It is strange, but writing knocks me up completely. When bin you cumin whoam? Good bye, With fond love

from
Your loving
mad old Auntie

hurry up



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John Manttan (b. 1851) died suddenly 20 June 1912 from drinking something poisonous that he had thought to be lime juice. Rachel remained in Fendalton, didn't remarry, and died in 1925.

“Otama”
Tycho
Timaru
Sep 27.1912

Ma chere Agnes
As you say I have scoured N.Z. Fairly well but it seems I'll not be ready just yet to trim my sales & anchor in the he-o-he hold countree [sic].

I suppose you will have heard the sad news of my uncle's death. I was in Wanganui at the time & as soon as I heard made for ChCh. Aunty kept up very well considering, we made her stay in bed for a few days. Then Annie collapsed. She of course was very run down & while one of the boys girls” was there we begged her to stay in bed, but no good. However she had to give in at the last so I had it all on my own I.o. So had a busy time. She had a masseuse coming in for about 6 weeks, then to crown all the wash lady was not able to to come either to wash or clean for about 1 mth but still I managed to survive it all & here I am taking a breathing space with “the girl” who was in ChCh for a few days.

She is “Laura” Smith, Willie's girl age 21 at Xmas. Has a beauty dimond ring, he is in the jewellry line at Westport. I went round that way before Xmas when the rivers were all flooded. She passed her Matric at 16 & paints beautifully. Now she is cook & scullery maid.

She has to cook at the present time for a brother (22) & Father & H. min. eggs & bacon generally breakfast, put up a lunch & hot dinner at 6. ...more about cooking, the size of the Smith farm, Laura has an 18yo sister called Muriel. Church is 9 miles away, Laura doing Edie's hair, I think this is start of fast friendship with Smiths, esp. Laura. Cavorting games, hymns at night, dances, flirting with men....

…
Last Sunday Muriel kept her 18 birthday. We drove into town to see Aunty off. Then we had an hour on the beach, it was grand. I shall feel quite lost when I get back, not having the sea to pop down to, but other thigns will take its place. The drive back was not so pleasant as the wind got up & then it began to rain....

, plans to stay with the Smiths a few more weeks, not sure about Christmas. Very long letter, 6+ pgs!

...but if I find Aunty would like me for them, I should stay with her. I should have been home most likely if the accident had not happened (accident where uncle died, I presume)... so when you write still send to ChCh as they would forward my letters if I'm gone on.

It's not use my coming now for the winter & they have asked me to stay in Sydney (Mrs. Cameron) on my way back, so shall be able to put in the time, but oh for an aeroplane to come buzzing over to see you all. ….I suppose Reg is quite a big boy now, escorting you all to places.

Annie has not said anything about a big house Did you hear where it was. I suppose that would be the best thing for me to do. I'd like one room of my own any how, wouldn't you.....

you loving chum Edie

Long letter written to Aggie Nov 9 1912, also staying with the Smiths, Leslie, much social life.

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Miss Sherwood
c/o Mrs. Smith
Olama
Tycho Delz
Timaru

postmarked Christchurch Dec 12 11

Queen's Avenue
Fendalton
December 4th 1912

Dear Miss Sherwood (Mrs. Shett)
I suppose you think you will stay away until after Christmas just to get out of helping make the cakes, puddings and mincemeat. Well, you have just fallen in nicely because they are all made about three weeks ago so there. If you don't want to come back you must just stay away, that's all. If our Xmas dinner etc. was not up to your satisfaction last year you might have told us straight out instead of staying away & letting us no by your absence your “Wowsel” & wearer of P.W. 6714.

I told Teddy and he said d-d-d-d-. I suppose you won't mix yourself in with the workin class for Christmas dinner. 9-3 Bedfordshire Annie at a concert then at a social....... My dear Edie, you mention letters, but we have sent every one onto you. There was only one this week. Would it be better if I put them into one envelope. Let me know if I shall send you cheque. That is if you stay on you want it, is it not? I will send it at once when you let me know. I hope you have heard about certificate. It is strange the Walhamstowe people, have not mentioned it. We cannot get insurance without it. Probate is just granted & stamp duty cases fixed in to days paper I daresay it to in Timaru papers.

We are having cooler weather again...What do you think about the Suffragettes militant attitude. Isn't it cruel, interfering with letter boxes. Prospects are good for England according to todays paper, I hope the war has really ended. It will be quite a relief when everything is settled.

We are all keeping very well. Lots of people are often enquiring about you, I am quite surprised. One Lady said, how nice you were, & just like me. Do you konw whether Willie is much worried over business matters? Poor Billy buttons. Please give my love to all, also to Mrs. Willy Smith. I hope she is better for her trip.

Now dear Edie Good Night
With fond loveliness
from
your loving
Auntie.

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Addressed to:
Miss Sherwood
c/o Mr. L. G. Smith
Cave
Via Timaru

“Otama”
Dec 11th 1912

Dear Edie,
Les wants you to come down & go to town Sat. night. Come down on Friday & come home with him from the school. Bert came yesterday & he is a great sport.

I went to town on Monday & didn't have a good time, I don't think.

If you don't come down on Friday you will be half killed when we get hold of you.

In a hurry so will ring off. Much love to Laura & Len? – don't forget your own dear self.

Muriel X

postmark = Wolverhampton 26 Dec 1912

Miss Sherwood (c/o F. Manttan's address, Xd out, and changed to)
c/o Mrs. H Reed
Dargaville
W. Wairoa
N.I.

8 Cleveland Road
Wolverhampton
Dec 25th 1912

Dear Edie,
Xmas Day – & what could I do better than write to you – It is raining very fast & is as mild as Easter, but last night was a glorious full moonlight night, & I should thinknt he shopkeepers had a record trade. The trade generally is good & Whvton after its long depression is getting a share of it.

This house is full. The Ashleys except the girls who are at Landudno, the Millers and George from Dudley who has not been to see us for months & months are here, so we are enjoying ourselves.

In a week the year 1912 will have vanished & I shall not be sorry for me it has been a year of hard work worry till luck brightened by three lightening flashes of mild excitement.

Edie is going to Rhyl for the week and to see Miss Kirby. The children made the usual puddings & Edie sent a small one to Miss K. so I suppose Edie is going to see if she is suffering any ill effects from eating it.

I was pleased to har that your invalids were better & that you now had time to enjoy yourself.

The scenery I should think is a good deal like that of Scotland.

We had a letter from Mary (Mrs. Cameron) giving us the pleasant news that you were going to stay with her on your way back. She evidently appreciates your coming very much.

George has just asked me to take him to the station so with best wishes
John

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