Dearest Sister (Georgina WHITE in Maryborough, Victoria)

We received your most unwelcomed letter of bad news - the news of father's death. (George SMITH died 21 Jul 1894 aged 65 yrs Ballarat Hospital). God knows since the day I was born I don't think I ever received such a blow. I always thought that he would live to be a good old age as his father and mother did. To think he only lived 2 and a half years after mother.

Oh Georgina, I wish you had sent me word when he took the first stroke. I would have come over at once. I would not have been over in time to see him alive but I would have seen him before he was buried. Georgina, did he think death was so near? May God have mercy on his poor dear soul. I would have given anything to have come home once again to ask his forgiveness for anything I may have said to him but God knows what is best for us and we must abide by it.

Dear Sister, you say I am not to worry over Linnie (their younger sister Annie Melinda SMITH) as she won't come to Waratah to live. Well she must do as she please. I expect she think that will suit her best but God knows I would like her to come over to stop. I would let her come back to you. I would do that as true as I am alive but it is with herself and you. You can do a lot if you choose. As for Den he would not hurt a hair of her head.

Dear Sister, where is Harry (brother Henry George SMITH in Ballarat) living as he left the tram company. I expect they are very dull there. You stated in your letter that you would come to Waratah if you could get anything to do. Well old girl there is a new place started about 41 miles from here and a woman would do well there just now - that is baking and washing or even keeping a boarding house but if you have a notion of coming don't break up your home but try it first. If you come I would try and go out with you but have not told Den anything about it but Dear old girl if you can manage to come over after everything is settled do so. I would be oh so glad to see you. I expect as father left no will that Harry will claim everything. Write back by return post old girl as I will now conclude with best and fondest love to all from your ever loving sister Madeline Dunn.

PS all the children send love to aunt and cousins and their dear sister Linnie. Den also sends love to you all and said that he would like to welcome you to Barry.