TRANSCRIPTION:
My Dear Ed.,
Thea & I have just been to Maungaraupi for the weekend & enjoyed the change very much. Thea was playing the piano, played for 8 solid hours one day with the most classical piano. Frank enjoys Theas company very much she’s a great favourite with the boys other boys too. We were out in the bush one day & came across a lovely peacock such a huge one but all his lovely tail had come out. There is a most beautiful view from the house, the range on one side & the sea in front and miles of flat counyry spread out before you. There is a lovely [illeg.] in the mountains and the misty clouds hanging over the tops. Would have made a lovely sketch. You once mentioned a beautiful view in Ireland you saw when walking along the lanes with hedges [illeg.] the sides and wild flowers and in the distance the mountains. I always wish you had painted that but you said it was [illeg.]
I dont see why. You remember that picture of [illeg.] & think of June in Austria There were flowers [illeg.] to paint there, I like that picture so much I have it framed in my bedroom I have great [illeg.] for pictures.
Reg is coming home [illeg.] on his motor bike. Easter begins in 7 ni [nights?]. Regs leave is 10 days so we will have to make the most of it [illeg.] Frank are coming up from Marton I suppose Jack will come too [illeg.] really clever. [illeg.] Vera goes by seven [illeg.] in morn so I must close so I still get about 10 hrs sleep. Mum & Nana send their love Mum says she sorry she has missed the mail she didn’t know till the last few min there was one tomorrow.
Love from Dorothy, Reg was 20 Apr 7