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with Fred Oxley, who is still very weak
& ill, for Melbourne. I hope they
are near their destination by this
time. Lizzie dreaded the idea of
going as she is always so fearfully
sick. You ask me if the
people at Cobbitty pay their rent
well. They are always wanting a new
chimney, or a new Kitchen or their
roof shingled or barked, so that at
the end of the year it is very little
that comes in. McIntosh had to
repair the stockyard which comes
to £10. George Roberts is a very
bad payer. He owes for more than
half a year. I wish they would go
away. We heard from Mariane
today, they are all quite well, the
doctor's complaint is Hypochondriasis,
but I shall hear all about them when
Lizzie comes back.

John Oxley's mill is getting on very
fast. They hope to be at work
in June but it is hard times with
them just now, & if they didn't get
assistance from Mariane, I dont

know what they should do. I help
them a little sometimes. -
25 February 1875.
I was disappointed that I could not
send my letter by the steamer that
went to day, so I am adding a little
more now. We had a telegram
from Melbourne on Tuesday "Freddie
much better, not sick. Lizzie very
sick". I suppose she is enjoying
long chats with Kate & Mariane now.
I should much like to join the
party.

I hope you will be able
to come to Sydney before you leave
Brisbane, for it is a long time since
we parted and I am wearying to
see you all.

I have not [crossed through - since] seen your [indecipherable]
[indecipherable] & Elizabeth for some time
past. I understand Henry Bobart
has lost his situation at Bourke
through misconduct. I do not
know where he is now. The Clergyman