Aril 24th 1899

Father is so busy in the garden now. He has got beans and peas in, and some potatoes and he wants to get them all in. He enjoys the cigars very much. I'm sorry you liked the one you smoked. It ought to have upset you and then you wouldn't want to smoke any more. We think it’s almost a pity for you to join a society (trade union) yet but I suppose they won't let you rest. I hope you will get more money. If you can do as much work as others can you ought to be paid as well. Aunt Ruth (née Foster 2nd, wife of Charles Kerridge) is not well so we cannot go to Cambridge for another fortnight. Ada (eldest daughter) said Aunt was better but not able to come downstairs. The pigs are doing well but I'm afraid they won't be killed soon enough to cure a ham for August, so I shall have to get you something else. There are gooseberries in the garden but not big enough to eat yet. I hear George Thompson is married. He has not lost much time has he. Aunt (Elizabeth Kerridge) went to see Aunt Mary (née? Fakes) last week. She has been very ill again and had just got up as Aunt got there. Mrs. Laddie Roper and old Mrs. Blizzard have died I think since I wrote to you. It was sad about that wreck in the Channel. So many poor creatures lost their lives. It shows us that we need to be prepared to die, as we never know when we may be called to meet our God. I expect Wilfred (Nunn) sends you all the news about the work. I hope you hear some good sermons on Sundays. I am sorry to say we hear some very poor ones. Now dear this must be all as Ag. is ready to go to the posts.