Letter from Herbert King ('Kingi'), France, to Daisy Stodel, Cape Town, South Africa, dated 14 February 1917

The text reads as follows:

"Aroha Nui

That's got your curiosity going eh?

My Dear Daisy,

Your letter of 3/1/17 to hand this evening. When I saw the address I thought that possibly you have not yet received any letter containing my present address, so I shall give it to you again. It is 22513 Capt. HW King, 2nd Auckland Battalion, N.Z.E.F. France. Letters so addressed will reach me quicker than if sent to the High Commissioner.

To resume -- It was very good of you to write when you had so little notice that the mail left next day. Even if the letter is not a long one it is still appreciated & shows how you buoy

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me up with thoughts of the next mail. Hope the mail is due soon. Perhaps you think I am conjuring up visions of the fruit but beware, young lady, if you are for such thoughts of me will lead to trouble. By the way did you ever find anyone who was not fond of fruit? I'm no exception to the ordinary mortal in that respect as I shall show if it is ever my good fortune to strike your city during the fruit season. Your orchard would get a bad spin.

Am very pleased to hear you had such a good time at Xmas & New Year. I believe in everyone getting all the

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enjoyment out of life that you can but 4 bottles (or was it glasses) of Fizzy -- otherwise champagne -- ? ? ? Gee you must be a fish -- or perhaps a mermaid.

I warn you now that champagne in over doses gives one a beautiful head next morning. I've never experienced it myself but know those who have -- so again, young lady beware I say.

By this time you should have a letter from me. I wrote quite a decent letter (i.e. for me) on 11/1/17 and two short notes on 17/1/17 and 27/1/17 acknowledging the charm & your photo. I'm still wearing the little elephant and so far

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have not even been scratched by the old Hun. However that is quite beside the point.

I am not going to talk about the war this time except to say that for a month we had the snow on the ground & all creeks frozen. I have seen ice 6 to 8 inches thick. Each day was clear & sunshiny but cold especially when the wind was blowing. This week the weather has been much milder & the snow is fast disappearing. The men have stood the cold very well & it is hardly necessary to add that I am feeling as fit as ever. I have not been troubled with my health for over 20 yrs.

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& I am feeling as fit now as at any time. Something to be thankful for -- isn't it?

Have just been looking through your letter again & note that it was 5 glasses of champagne. Gee Whiz, you must be a fish sure. I think I had better repeat one of your sentences 'I do hope you are quite fit'. What antidote did you take? I'll ask Nannie whether she 'did believe you'.

Four o'clock New Year's morning was a bit early but nothing so good as doing a thing properly & your parents will have only one Silver Wedding. By the way, please give them

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my sincerest & heartiest congratulations. My mother & father had 56 years of married life together and I wish your people he same happiness.

Did I tell you than my father had joined the great majority since I left N.Z.? He had been ill for over a year & passed away at the end of October. When one's 83 years of age it is natural to expect these happenings but such philosophy does not lessen the loss especially to mother.

By the by, I will send that badge soon but there is a decided shortage of badges here.

I saw Lt Good last week. He was looking very fit & has

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put on flesh. I told him that you mentioned that Nannie had not heard from him. By the by, why didn't you send me a snapshot of the bathing at Miuzenberg?

Now I think I must close this epistle. I still have some letters to answer to get my correspondence up to date. I have not made a resolution (don't know how long I shall keep it) to answer each one as soon as I get it. Hence yours is being done tonight.

Now Daisy, do look after yourself, too. No fear of my taking any undue risks. There are quite enough in this game without looking for others &

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although I'll admit that occasionally I wonder whether life is worth all the worry we give to it, yet at most times I think there is plenty in this life to make it worth living.

It was just a year last Sunday since I lost Mrs King so you can guess my thoughts wander back more than ever. You must forgive me mentioning this but it is good to talk to someone even in a letter. As I said in a previous letter the problem of life is a great one & I have not yet formulated any theory that satisfies my own questionings. However we must just carry on.

Now I shall say goodnight & again 'Be good' (P.S. if you can.)

My love to Nannie & your own 'little self' From Kingi"