Transcribe Smyth, William. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1882-06-16)

nwh Caversham Dunedin New Zealand 16 June 1882 To prof H, A, Ward

       Sir
       I have been

Away from home for several months & find yours of 11March waiting As the mail leaves tomorrow I Have no time to enquirer about The Penguin Skins.I delivered

I to Mr Elder when I delivered

The two skeletons he appeared Just about to send them off at that time^about 5 months ago^ I opened two Of them (they were wrapped in paper) & saw that they were in perfect condition the two skeletons I sewed up separately in their Canvas As to the vessel the first trip when Laying off the Island a storm Came on the boat was lost & a raft with oil etc she came back to Port Chalmers with only about half her Cargo she made a second Trip very shortly after But I did not hear any thing about her

       I will now enquirer & if

there is anything that is nessary For you to know I will write next mail

       I have been to the west coast

& had a very unsuccessful trip owing to continuous wet weather the people residing there will not catch & skin Kiwi &Kakapo under