1. Approximately 170 letters 1858-64 written by Hobhouse and his wife to relatives in England, most of them addressed to his sister Eliza but some of those obviously intended for circulation within the family. The letters contain: descriptions of the voyage to New Zealand; the settlement at Nelson; details of domestic and church life; Hobhouse's numerous journeys around his vast diocese and his work among the settlers and the Maoris. Mary Elizabeth Hobhouse sometimes accompanied her husband on his travels and her letters describe the countryside around Nelson and settlers there, as well as her impressions of visitors to the district and of churchmen. Domestic life in New Zealand is outlined in great detail, but the letters also reveal her interest in the provision of schooling for local children. Nearly all the letters are accompanied by typed transcripts.