A two-page letter (2 single-sided sheets) written in pencil by "Will E. Higginson" from France, 27th August (year not stated).

France
Aug. 27th

Dear Sis,

Just a few lines in answer to your letter of June 10th which I was very pleased to get. I also received one fom Mother dated June 17th on the same day. The weather in NZ when last you wrote must have been very wet and Poverty Bay evidently got more than its share. I hope the people who lost so much stock in the floods are able to bear the loss better than a lot of the dairy farmers are. The small farmer is not having the great time some people think he is since the war commenced especially so now when they take every fit single man to fight even though he may be the only man on the farm.
I am pleased to hear that one of the Cruickshank boys was caught in the ballot. One of them could have got away before, but I don’t think he got a very reliable sort of man to milk such a lot of cows. I am afraid his kiddies will have a pretty crook time of it.
Just fancy Poverty Bay wanting to get back to the Te Puke. I thought that when he once shook the dust of the Bay of Plenty off his feet he would never go back again. I suppose the settlers around Te Puke did not sow much maize last season as they usually do on account of getting it picked and the Maories no doubt would get the job of picking most of it.
I met Len Grey the other day. He had just come over from Sling. I think he said he had been in hospital. I also saw several Hawera boys.
The weather today is wet and miserable and the change is not very much wanted.
I have not yet received the last two parcels you said was sent to me but may do so soon.
Friday. Received four more letters, one being from Cissie Fairly. She seems very pleased me answering her letter. I think she thought I would not have troubled about it.
I am very pleased to hear mother has finished up with S.JE. How does Charlie like camp life.

Your affectionate brother

Will E Higginson