17. Pa finally writes a letter.......

Elsinore

Sunday night 20.11.17

Dear Norman,

You will wonder why I haven't written to you before this, but you know I allow Ma to do all the writing.

Well my boy we are glad to know you arrived safe and sound - both by Cable and then by letter.  I can tell you we've had an anxious time from the time you left till we rec'd the news of your arrival. Well, by diary and letter you seem to have had a good time going across the water seeing all the sights on different places on your way. I can assure you the Diary was very interesting reading and all that have read it say the same thing and there is no doubt it will be a lifelong remembrance to you.

Well Norman, we have had sad times. Since you left, poor Arthur Harvison was buried the very day we received your cable and then the sad news of young Charlie Cox, Davie Borthwick and young Whitehead being killed and since then we hear that another of the Whiteheads has been wounded - and I am afraid there will be many more before this dreadful war is over - and then we have had Mrs Yeo and that old lady opposite the church, Mrs Reynolds died lately. So there is nothing else but sadness since you left. I was nearly forgetting Mrs Allen, Harry Allen's wife. She died lately and he has come back to live in Balmain and is going to teach in the Sunday School. Again things are about the same in the Church, just going along hardly able to pay expenses. I don't think there is to be any Picnic this year. Poor Charles Gooud was very much cut up about poor Charlie. He seemed to feel it very much. He comes to dinner now and again, he was in today. They are setting up a Sale of Work to be held on the 30th and 1st December. I will enclose a couple of pages with this letter. Ilma [Pa spells their daughter's name with one L]  has had sickness in her home too. Burt has been very bad but I believe is alright now. Then Eileen is laid up, they had to get the Doctor to them. - So you see everyone seems to have their own troubles one way or another.

We have the trams running again to Birchgrove now. Its very handy just to walk down to the corner of Grove and Cameron St and then in I go to the Markets twice a week I don't go to Millars now, He sold them to some pig and poultry man.

We are having another Election on the 20th Dec, for conscription. I don't know how it will go but I hope it will be carried so as to send a lot of the lazy scoundrels away that are loafing about the streets here. [ unedited: so as to send a lot the lazzie Scoundrels away that is loaffing about the streets here]   Mr Preston  sent a paper to you to be presiding Officer, so I took it back the next day - so as to give him time to get someone else.

Mr Gooud's Picnic would have been on that day at St John's and that's where you would have been if you have been here.

Well Norman, I don't know what else I can say. Of course you know all about the strike and how it ended in favour of the Government - I am sure you will see some wonderful sights in London and suburbs that will open your eyes - I suppose before you get this note you will know where you are going to be sent ti or perhaps you will be travelling abroad..from wherever , we will know from the next letter we receive.

I think it was one of the best send offs that ever took place at St John's to you that night. over 100 Communicants and then the Social in the School Hall afterwards. I am sure it was a great compliment to you and I can assure you both your Ma and myself felt it very much and ever since members of the congregation have been asking me have we heard from you, hoping you would have a pleasant voyage and safe arrival in the Old World.

I suppose Ma told you about poor Miss Hodgkiss' death. They brought her to the Church for the service before going to the Balmain cemetery - and now I must close - I don't know of anything else I can say only hoping you are keeping in good health and mind and look after yourself well and don't be out too late at nights as you know there are always a lot of Roughs about at night.- so good night - Its just 10.30 and Ma has gone to bed.
Hoping this will find you in the best of Health and Happiness.
from your loving Dad - E.B.

16. ..face the world nobly and honourably

Elsinore

November 21, 17

My dear Son,

Another Sunday and another letter, but I pleased to say I have had 2 letters and a postcard this week from you - although they were short - but I know you have not much news at sea. Wait till I get your English letters. Men there will have lots of news. I also received your nice souvenir of the Panama Canal. I think there are some lovely views in it Norman, don't you. Mr Gooud is having a look at it now. He was here for dinner, also Eileen and Claude. They came yesterday afternoon. Well after a spell of 5 hours I must finish your letter and get it posted to catch the mail tomorrow. 

Just after I started your letter Mr Hall and his little girl came in. You know Jane Coffee from Melbourne, a little after that Emmie Palmer and the girl Wise came in. They wanted your address of course. They stopped for an hour or two, the tea time came around, so had to wait till they had all gone to finish your letter.

Yes Norman, I thanked all the people for what hey had done for you that night. The photos were grand. I had 4 doz and there are more that want them but I will get no more. I got your bond last week. I think I will leave it in the bank or up in the Savings Bank. I called to see Mr Gillanders that day too. He sent me to collect tickets for a tea in the town hall. Your Pa couldn't go being Thursday night. He said if I couldn't use the tickets or sell them, to send them back. So I couldn't do that, so kept them and called to pay him. Introduced myself and he was very glad to see me and if I wanted anything done in any way to let him know and he would gladly do it for me. Which I thought was very kind of him. He sent me word about the boat arriving home nearly 2 weeks after..

Yes Norman, I will never forget that Tuesday night. That was the best affair we have had here. It will show you what respect they all have for you and Pa and I too and I hope it may never be misplaced by any of us doing anything that would disgrace us. Always be honourable and right in all your doings dear son and face the world nobly and honourably. 

Well Norman, Mrs McLean, Winnie and Gladys just came in so had another stop. I think I had better finish up now. Pa sends best love and accept same from your loving and affectionate Mother

15. Pa hasn't written yet

Elsinore

Nov 18 17

My dear Norman,

Another Sunday and another letter. I thought I would have had one from England this week but I must have one the next mail surely. it will be seven weeks next Wednesday since your arrival in London. I think it is time I had  a letter and a good big one at that. Well old boy, how are you holding up? How do you fare in every day? Have you plenty to eat and drink? Be sure and tell me if you are short in any way and what you would like and I will send it if I can. We are having such funny weather here dear Norm for this time of the year - no sunlight hardly. Cloudy, raining and cold. Mr Gooud has his overcoat on today. He says it is just as cold as winter. He was teling me about a picture he saw in Sydney, called "Transgression". He says there is a woman in it the image of me. He took Mrs? over to see it one night and when this woman came on they both sung out "oh there is Mrs Barwick". He says it will be on here next week, so Mrs Cowell and I are going to see who the beautiful woman is for she must be beautiful if she is like me!

Archie Beach is home again, the first time since he left before you. I don't know if he is going to Japan or not. He is at Newcastle today. I guess he is sad? for he wanted to be here for Church and Sunday school today. Miss Hollinan is at school today. She made up her mind to come back to teach. Doesn't mind if it is the little children or not. They are short of teachers. Mr Gooud says young Bert? is a Grand Secretary he is working every thing up well?? [this writing is hard to read, but I think you get the drift!]

You know they are having a Bazaar next week and he is doing a lot towards it. Alick Grey has left the schools again. He and Mona are not speaking so he goes with another girl now. The way of the world isn't it Norman.

oh yes, oh no we got a letter from the Post Master at Rozelle to know if you would take a billet here, so your Pa went to see him and told him where you were. Your Pa is the same as before. I wonder if YES will be carried this time. Only the single ones will have to go first and they say there are enough single ones for 2 1/2 years. So they must expect the war to last for long enough yet. I sent Mr Gooud a tie for his birthday and I see he has it on today. Good boy isn't he. He came in for a buttonhole, our lovely little roses are out now. You know the ones he used to like. Our roses have been lovely this year.

Have you seen the Dog and Cat Cemetery? Clarry used to talk about. I don't think he is in England now, Aunt Mary said in her last letter. She thought he was at the Front now. 

The Painters have just finished the painting now and the place looks so nice dear Norm, only it wanted doing so badly now. I would have left it till you were coming home Norm and had it nice for you.

Illma, George and all the family are well, when I last heard from them. Says she writes of a Sunday. Pa hasn't written yet but sends his best love to you and hopes you are well and your loving Mother prays to God every night watch over you and bring you safely back to your loved ones. Goodbye with best love

from your ever loving Mother

PS Mrs Porter told me to remember her to you.

Ettie writes to Norman

65 College St

Balmain

18/11/17

Dear Norman

I received your most welcome card and very pleased to hear you had a pleasant trip. Your Mother told me you wrote in a letter that you were resting while the music was playing  too much style about you. Last Sunday was Children's Day. The service was very nice and the Church was decorated very nicely (thanks to your Mother). Mr Manning received a nice lot of gifts for the poor. I'm sure you would have loved to have been here to see them.

You remember Elsie Hodgekiss  the poor girl died and the 8th Nov, the anniversary of the SS Picnic. All the girls miss her very much, she was so well like by them. He Mother will mis her but I'm sure whe will not wish her back, only those who saw her since she took to her bed know how she suffered. Her body was brought to the Church where a beautiful service was held. All the girls from the Club came to see the last of their Dear friend. Mr Manning was very good to Els, he visited her so often and she was so pleased. ..so poor Els has gone where there will be no suffering, she lived such a good life.

How do you like England. It will be nice to see an English Christmas quite different to ours, but I think you will be thinking of dear old Balmain. The Bazaar is being held on the 30th of this month I hope it will be a success they seem to be working very hard to make it so.

We heard the other day that Fred Whitehead has been wounded, I hope only slightly. I hope you meet Frank Grose in England, he will be pleased to se you. We had letters from Jack; he met such a lot of the boys from Balmain but a few have been killed since. Well Norman there is no more news at present so I will conclude

with kind regards

from Ettie

another girl writes a letter to Arthur Norman Stanley...hmm

'Ellerslie'

32 Terry St.,Rozelle.

N.S.Wales

11.11.17

Dear Mr Barwick,

I was pleasantly surprised to receive your letter last Friday. Mother received your card the day previous.

By now you will have no doubt seen London and will be in France with new events happening each day. In St John's life goes on as before, with the occasional exception of new names being added to the Roll of Honour.    You were no doubt sorry to hear that the School has given another who has died for his King and Country, in the person of Charlie Cox. Mr Gooud felt the loss very keenly. For two Sundays after the news came through, he just seemed dazed. I am pleased to say that now he is himself again.

The Sunday School Sale of Work commences on Friday 30th November and is continued on Saturday afternoon and evening. Miss Murden and I have the miscellaneous stall and so far our prospects are fairly bright. Already we have supplies of soap, jam, toothpaste, jelly crystals, ham pate, rex cheeses etc and so forth promised. It is rather hard luck that the first night of my yearly exams at the "Tech" commences at 7pm on the opening night of the Sale of Work (from 7pm till 10) so I will not be able to be at the stall, but Katie has kindly promised to take my place for that evening.

I received an invitation one day last week to spend the afternoon of Saturday 10th (yesterday) with Mrs Drake. This was nothing unusual, but I was very much surprised on arriving, at finding all my S.S. [Sunday School] class and Mr Manning there too. After a guessing competition (which Mr Manning won) consisting of names of flowers with the letters out of order and to be spelt correctly, we adjoined to the dining room for tea. Before actually partaking of the tea, on behalf of my girls, Mrs Drake and Mrs Elliott, Mr Manning said that he had much pleasure in presenting me with a lovely brush and comb set. Talk about taking the wind out of one's sails, well after Mr Manning had finished speaking there was a dead calm. Of course I had to say a few words in reply. Then Katie stood up and put into words, what I felt and what I should have liked to say.

After tea we had running, skipping and jumping races in which Lily Green did well and at a quarter to six Mr Manning suddenly remembered he had a wedding for six o'clock and so he hurriedly said Goodbye and departed.

After he had left we spent some time out in the boat and then had a singing competion which Fred drake won and some other games; the party breaking up about 9.30pm. Much to Fred's disgust Mr Manning forgot to read the address inside the lid of the brush and comb and mirror case and which they had taken great pains to prepare. The secret of it was so well kept, as they had been preparing for and looking forward to yesterday for about four months.

Today has been the Children's Day at St John's. We had a very fine service with all the children present in the Church this afternoon. Mr Manning fairly drove it home this morning in Church about the lack of teachers, with the result that three new ones have come forward. He is going to repeat the dose at the Service tonight. (Dad and I are keeping house tonight, with Toski)

As you will receive this about Christmastide we all join in wishing you a merry and a happy Xmas; happy in that you are making others brighter, 

With kind regards,

yours sincerely, Grace McLachlan

I have just completed a fortnight's holiday at Jamberoo 96 miles outside of Kiama) The country down the south coast is very beautiful.

14. Pa sends his love and says he will write next time

Elsinore

Nov 11 1017

My Dearest Norman

Another Sunday and another letter, but I am pleased to say that I have had another letter from you. 

I had one last Monday from the Panama. I think where you were enjoying yourself at the YMCA. How long did you stop there? It must indeed be a change for you dear boy to see land after seeing water for so long. I can just imagine your feelings. I suppose you could hardly walk when you got on land. I don't think you could have been sick on the way for you seem to have enjoyed the trip. How was the last part? As nice as the first? I am sure the Panama Canal must be a grand place Dear Norm from the look of the views you sent. You never said anything in your letter about sending it to me. I have put your bond in the bank. Mr Manning said it would be the safest place.

You will see by the Parish paper that this is the Children's Day and we had to decorate the church, at least I did., for their was only Molly Manning and I there, not another soul turned up.yes, the two little Higgin's boys, I mustn't forget them. Mr M was called away somewhere, said he wouldn't be long but it was all done when he came back. Mr Somebody else came in later in the morning and then Mr Day came so I got him onto Mr Manning's work, you know      ... around the woodwork and between the two of them finished it. There was a wedding at 6 o'clock so all had to be cleared out by then. You know the feeling there, everything left to the willing ones.

Have you seen many of the boys there since you landed? I think Foster? Harvison is going to the front. He went to work out at the Aerial Machines. Have you found out anything about Charlie Cox or young Dave Borthwick? Have you seen Charlie Palmer yet? I hear young I forget his name now. you know the young fellow that used to go with Emmie Palmer, Charlie Frissell? just recalled  it.. is killed too. There was a young soldier at Church this morning with young Brooks who went up same as you did and Mr Manning had a prayer for him.I suppose he is going this week.

I suppose you forgot the 5th of November this time dear Norman [father's birthday]. I  don't forget the 20th of next month dear boy, but couldn't send you anything. Will keep it till you get home.I sent Mr Gooud a tie. I forgot when his birthday is, sometime this month, isn't it, and little Bert, he is fine again now..is coming down next month on his holidays. I wonder what sort of Xmas dinner you will be having this Xmas, a very grand one I expect in the Old Country.I hope you have next one at home. 

Pa and I went down to Manly last week to see Maggie, but when we went there she was up at Florries? at Rockdale. Just Ethel and George were there. They have taken two rooms off her for a month just for a change by the sea and it will help her a little. They have not sold Hazeldean yet. There is some dispute about the wall, it is an inch and a half on the neighbour's ground. So I don't know how it will be. A pity Arthur did not have the house sold before he died. 

Well, I think I have given you all the news I can think of now my dear son. I hope you are well and enjoying good health. Pa sends his love and says he will write next time. The girls all say they have had letters from you and have all written to you, so you will have enough letters. I don't hear anything of Archie B.... I don't think he is back yet. Illma and her family are well when last heard and Pa and I are well, only my legs seem young?, well good bye my darling Son and believe me ...your loving Mother.

13. Letter from Charlie for you , will send it on (Charlie has died)

Monday the 5th November

Your Father's birthday

Dear Norm,

Just received a letter from Charley Cox for you, am sending it on. Poor boy little   thought he would be killed so soon. His poor Father and Mother feel it very much. He was so like his Father in build and everything. I think he was he Father's favourite and poor Mr Gooud feels it. He says it seems to be getting worse on him now, but Mr Allen is coming back to Balmain and I suppose will cheer him up. I had a letter from you today, from the Panama. I got your Cable over 4 weeks ago. Poor Uncle Arthur's birthday and the day he was buried. I will post this in the morning as there is a mail on Wednesday. Goodnight my dear boy with best love from your lovng Mother.

such grand boys

Typed version follows:-

Lincoln Street

Campsie

Sydney 5th Nov 1917

Dear Norm,

This is only a short note to tell you that Doug and I received your very welcome letter last week (Friday). It is lovely to know that you had such a good trip and managing well with your comrades. We miss you very much over here Norm, so hurry up and get back again. We are glad you liked the book and sox.

Your Mother and Father are both well. I think you Mother is a real Briton? for I know how much she feels your absence from the home.

My dear Dad is getting better slowly.

I suppose you have landed in England when you get this letter.

Mr Gooud was up here for the night about three weeks ago. He feels the loss of his dear friend Charlie very much. It came as a great shock to everybody over here. It is a great sacrifice Norm and poor dave Borthwick too - such grand boys.

Well Norm I have visitors here now so cannot write more and I want to catch the mail today, so expect a long letter next time.

With very best wishes from Doug and your sincere friend Dode?

we shall miss them for many a long day to come

Typed version below:-

Dear Norman,

Your welcome card came safely to hand on Friday.

I was very pleased to hear from you, also to see by it that you are having a good time.

I have just come home from Sunday school. We had the usual teacher's meeting at which we mostly discussed the coming Bazaar. I am helping on the Miscellaneous Stall. I think, in fact I am sure it will be a great success. Mr Orr has been most successfull in writing to different firms, most of them have responded well. Ada Dodd is having a sweet evening on the twenty sixth of this month to help furnish her stall, so we are looking forward to a pleasant evening.

I suppose by this time you will have heard all the sad news regarding the loss of three more of the boys Dave, Charlie and Les, it was a terrible shock to us all, knowing them as we did, but still we must not grieve for them, knowing that they are in safe keeping and out of further suffering, but we shall miss them for many a long day to come.

The trouble is who can we get to fill their place as well as they fill it. but I suppose God will provide.

We are all very pleased to have Mr Allen back with us again but of course we are sorry it has to be under the sad circumstances but I am sure he will be a great help to the school as in previous years. I dare say by this time you will have been down to Leicester to see our relations. I trust you had a pleasant time and are continuing to do so.

Well Norm I think I have told you all the news there is to tell this time. Mother and Dad wish to be kindly remembered to you and trust you are well as we all are just now. I will close with best wishes,

from yours sincerely

Doris

PS Thank you very much for the Photo. I think it is a splendid one of you. DW

12. it will be a poor Xmas for us all

Elsinore

Spring St, Balmain

October 28 1917

My own dear son,

Another Sunday and another letter, and not a line from you yet. I see there will be an English and American Mail in tomorrow, so I may get one by that but I don't think there would be time ; that would not be 4 weeks since you landed. However we will hope for the best. I do ling for a letter from you my dear boy and know how you are and where you are but I expect you are jolly and well.

Mr Gooud says he never saw such a jolly happy boy as you were but that is the best way when you can be it. I got another couple of letters for you from the Alexander Hospital and took them over to Mr Manning. I took them over to Mr Manning before and he promised to take some more of those pictures like you got one ......... but I don't think he has done so. Mrs Manning and ........ went up the mountains yesterday for the weekend.

My visitors are gone to Chatswood for their weekend. I wish they were gone alltogether for I can't be bothered with anyone in the house now and Illma is waiting till they go to bring Bert down for a while. You know he has been ill and the change will do him good. Bert is a good little boy. 

Well Norman, I don't think we will have the painting done now for the weather is getting too hot. We will see next week. It is very hot today. I suppose it is cold over your way. Do your feel it very much? I am afraid they will have another winter at war yet. They have had a lot of rain in France lately. Are you having any your way?  Have you seen any of the boys over there yet? I suppose they were surprised to see you. Well Norman, Xmas is near now. It will be a poor Xmas for us all. The first Xmas you have ever been away and I hope , the last.

I think they will have compulsory service here. They are to have meetings about it next week. I don't think there are any exemptions, only Ministers and School teachers - no only sons this time. 

Our garden looks nice now Norman. Such a lot of roses out. Mr Gooud came and got a nice white one last Sunday. I don't know if I told you Mr Harvey Allen's wife was dead. Mr Gooud and .... went to the funeral. It was very sad for him, poor man. Mrs Cowell's daughter has moved from where she was and taken Mrs Yates? house at Cronulla for 6 months, but I don't think she likes it now. The place they were in was sold and the people wanted to get into it; so they had to leave. The worst of being in rented houses.

Well now dear Norman, I'll come to an end. Will enclose your Uncle Bob's letter. Pa is well, going up to Illmas's next week for a day or two. Good night my darling son with best love and kisses from your loving Mother.

11. ..can you get news about Charlie's death?

Elsinore

October 21st 1917

My dear Norman,

Another Sunday and another letter. I wonder how many more I will have to write before I get one from you? I am always thinking about you my dear boy and wondering how you are getting along and would give all to have a talk with you, but I know that you are right dear Norman and doing what is right. If I knew I couldn't trust you it would break my heart. 

We had a lovely Communion service this morning for the boys that are gone Charles Cox, Johny Borthwick and Les Thornton. We are to have a memorial service tonight.. Johnny Smith in Darling Street is killed too.  I called in to see Mr Smith and he looks like a man out of the grave. I expect we will hear of a good many more being killed before it is all over.

I have George and Maggie Goodsir here at present. They are not too much trouble, still they could go to their own relations. They are down at Manly today. 

I had a painter here on Friday dear Norman to give me a price for the painting. That is to do all round the outside, front fence, front and back doors, verandah doors to kitchen and underneath the verandah - all normal except the back that is under the iron and clean the rough cast? His price is £ 11.0.0. I don't think that is too much considering the price of things now. I think we will have it done. It will look very nice when done. 

Mr Gooud was in to have breakfast this morning, had not had time to go home. He feels Charlie's death very much.He was wishing to win the [sailing] race yesterday as it was Charlies race and he wanted to win the medal and give it to Mrs Cox, but there was a bad wind and he was nowhere. Mr Cox told me to ask you if you could get any news about Charlie's death. I suppose the Chaplain would be the best to find out from. Mr Gooud says he was buried. I believe the Chaplain and nurse was with him when he died. 

I will send you the hospital young Noble is in. Mrs Noble wants us to let you know as soon as ever we receive a letter from you and she will cable you. She says you might not be iun England now but I do hope you are; that you will not be sent anywhere else. Do you think you will?

Have you seen Charley Palmer or Clarrie, or any of the boys yet? What a surprise to them to see you over there. 

I suppose it is getting very cold over there now. The weather here is getting very hot. Eileen was here on Thursday night. Illma, George and all are well. I may go up this week while George and Maggie are here. The place looks lovely. We have had some nice rains. Now my darling boy I must conclude. Pa sends best love to you and accept heaps of love and kisses from your affectionate and loving Mother.

Dot writes a letter

Typed version of this letter:

99 Louise Rd

Long nose point Balmain

14.10.17

Dear Norm

Just a little note this mail enclosing with Xmas wishes from all at 99. It is hard to write with Xmas cheer with the spirit of a St John's this mail as we have had the bad news that little Charlie Cox, Dave Borthwick and Les Thornton have been killed. It seems strange to me that the very best of our friends have answered the last Roll Call but God alone knows the reason and we must not chastie it. We are having a memorial service next Sunday and strange that is should be just 12 months Saturday that Charlie's Communion service was held and we are having 8 O'clock Communion in memory of the 3 boys.

Of course Norm this is not as cheerful a note for you as it might be for the present when you receive this, but it is the spirit of the times with us at present and I cannot write otherwise and the mail goes at 10 tomorrow but hope to write to you a little later on and give you all the news.

This time last week I was packing a lovely parcel from C Gooud for young Charlie and put all kinds of things in it and was very happy in the thought that he would get it for Xmas only to be dampered with the news news a few hours after posting it. 

Well Norm must close now as I want to write to a few others this mail. Hoping you are well and as Happy as the times will allow with lots of Good wishes and Gods Guidance and Protection in all your good work 

from Dot.

10. ...and Norman dear, we have had bad news this week

Elsinore

October 14th  1917

My dear Norman,

Another Sunday and another letter. I am longing to get one from you, but I suppose will have to wait for some weeks yet. Well my boy how have you been since you landed? Well I hope. Aunt Mary says Clarry says he has never been sick in England. I hope you will have the same to say and that it may agree with you. I suppose it is getting cold there now. It was as cold here last week as in the middle of winter and it is quite warm today.

I suppose you have been out and about a bit in London now. Is it anything like what you thought it was? Did you receive a cable from Mrs Noble about the 8th of the month? Her son was wounded very badly and brought into England to Hospital so she was going to cable you, not to send the parcel on, and Norman dear we have had bad news this week. Poor Charley Cox was killed. Did you send his parcel to France? and Dave Borthwick is killed and Les Mountain. Mr Manning got 3 telegrams last night to go to the three Mothers. I don't know who they are but I don't think they belong to St John's. They are having a terrible battle now. I expect we will hear of a lot more being killed. It is a terrible time, is it not? Mrs Noble wants you to go to see her son in England, but I don;t know what hospital he is in. I might get the address from her. I am sending you a Xmas card Mr Manning gave me to send. I think it is very nice.

Mr Brooks was here on Sunday night. He says the men out at the P...gave you a good name; all say you were a grand chap, but the one that is there now is not much, he never gets up any Concerts or anything. How do you get on with the men over there? Well, I hope.

Now dear Norman I must close. Mr Gooud just came over and got 4 umbrellas for the girls and self. It has come on to rain and Mrs McGlonlan? has come in here and waited till it had stopped. Pa sends best love and hopes you are well. Illma and family are pretty well as all here are. 

Goodnight dear boy, 

with love and kisses from your loving Mother. 

9. I can write with a little more heart today

Elsinore

October 7th 1917

My dear darling Norman

Another Sunday and another letter, but I can write with a little more heart today for I have had a cable from you and know you have arrived in England now safe and sound. You can't tell what gladness that cable brought to your Father and I. We never heard one word about the boat since she left here and never got a line so you may discern we were in a state. If you posted any letters in America we may get them tomorrow Monday as mail came in yesterday.

Yes Norman we had gladness and sorrow. On Friday we just got your Cable as we were ready to go to Manly to poor Uncle Arthur's funeral. He died Thursday morning at 1 o'clock and buried on his birthday. He was just 71 the day he was buried. He passed away very peacefully they say. I think it was heart failure. There was no one with him but Maggie and she did not seem to feel it very much, never shed a tear all the time we were there, even when the corpse was taken out. But she may feels it more afterwards and it might be worse for her. You might send her a card of sympathy -17 Norton St, Manly is her address.

You know Foster Harrison is in England at the Munitions making? You might see him there. Have you seen Clarrie yet? and Charley Holmes. Mrs Nobles boy has been wounded. She got a cable to say he was wounded and then got another to say severely, so he may be bad. Mr Manning came home last night after a week's spell. Mr Gooud had a lovely letter from Charley Cox. He sent another pound to the Rectory fund. You had better send another or get me to pay one for you. 

How are you getting along with your money. Have you plenty? I suppose you didn't spend much on the boat. Give me an account of all your doings. Going over, how many concerts you had and everything and if you were sick. How do you like London? I suppose the weather is getting cold now, but you have good warm shirts you ought not feel it to much. And wear those drawers if you feel cold. I suppose you get you clothes washed over there. You would want your surplus washed too.

I was up at Illma's for three days. I went up on 8 hours day [public holiday] and stopped till the Wednesday. The place looks lovely and we had such feeds of mushrooms. They had plenty of rain and everything looks green and nice. I saw the air ship?plane one day up in the clouds. I suppose you have seen them. Look out for the raids Norm and don't be out. They have plenty of them over London now. Are you stopping in London or are you going anywhere else? 

They sent me from the Melbourne YMCA, a lot of letters they received from different Secretaries that wrote to them telling them all they had been doing in different places and they are very interesting. Mr Gooud said he will have a read of them some time. I suppose you will be sending them one day. 

Well, Norm is there anything you would like me to send you. Any papers you would like? I only send you Saturday's paper. I might send the Observer if I think of it and you get them. If you would like any others, let me know and I will send them. What was it you said about your War Bond?  I have not been over about it yet. I may go next week. 

I had a letter from George Goodsir? to know if I would take him and Maggie for a while. They want to come for a holiday. 

The garden looks fine Norman, but the snails are very bad. Well my dear son goodnight. Pa will soon write. I will leave you in God's care. I know he will take good care of you and bring you home safe to your dear ones 

with love and kisses from your Mother

8. I see they are raiding England yet and near your quarters

Elsinore

September 30 1917

My dear Son,

Another Sunday and another letter. I wonder how many more before I hear from you. I wonder where you are now. You are going into  the eighth week now. You must be near your journey's end. You will have to give me a long account of your trip and what you did every Sunday and other days. I expect I will have a long diary of it all. 

Well Norman we had another social last Monday night as a farewell to Mr Wilton. I told you in my former letter. He was here for 3 or 4 days, so we had a service last Monday night and was disappointed at the few that was there. Then they gave him a social in the hall after and not too many were there, mostly children. Nothing like your night that was the best night we ever had in there, don't you think so. Mr Wilton went home on the Tuesday and Mr Manning went up to Bathurst on the Thursday for a holiday. Mr Wilton's Curate is down here today, doing the services. Mr W will be home next Saturday. 

Matey Elliot was at Church this morning in his uniform with his girl. I don't suppose he will get married before he goes. His mother hopes he won't. John Storey is in the Officer's School with Matey at Moors? Hall. They may be there for 6 months. I suppose the War will be over before they go. 

I see they are raiding England yet and near your quarters. Mr Fisher had his window broken near Australian House so he must live near there. You be careful my dear and keep out of danger. You never put any address on your trunk, it was alright on the boat, but when you get to England it might go astray, but perhaps you did it on the boat...

[missing page]

Everything is just the same here. The garden looks nice and green. I suppose the place is getting fresh over there now and getting cold.It is getting hot over here. Yesterday was very hot. I am going up to Illmas tomorrow and I hope it won't be too hot.

I saw Ethel Dolphin yesterday. She was so sorry she couldn't get in that night of your affair. [farewell] She got your address and is going to write to you.

Now dear Norman I must finish. Pa sends best love and hopes you are well and I will leave you in God's keeping to bring you back safely to your loved ones is the earnest wish of your loving Mother.

7. This is the 7th and I have not had a line yet

Elsinore

September 23 1917

My dear darling boy,

Another Sunday and another letter.  This is the 7th and I have not had a line yet but I suppose they will all come in a heap. Well my dear boy I wonder what you are doing now? How are you enjoying yourself and what sort of passage have you had?

We had our Confirmation on Friday night, the bishop came out and we had Mr Wilton, Mr Best and Mr Moore. There were some candidates from St Mary's and one or two of St Mark's. I think there were about 60 all together. We had a good congregation and a goodnight. They all turned up this morning again to Communion and Mr Wilton is now with the Sunday School and after that is the Men's Service. So he is busy enough of it. He is stopping at Mr Manning's. He will be stopping till Wednesday and Mr Manning is going back with him for a week or so. Mr Wilton's Curate is coming here next Sunday.

Matey Elliot has enlisted at last dear Norman. He has gone into Officer School and so has Jack Story. There came a letter from Charlie Cox this week. I will enclose it for you. I suppose he is in this other big push now. They seem going ahead all right.

Well Norman the strike is not over yet. I expect it will be next week, it is  the miners that are keeping back. We get no Gas, only of a night now. I wish it was all over so we would have our trains running. They are not coming down this way yet, they don't run to the boat? yet, only as far as St James Church, but I suppose they will be all right in a week or tow. Illma says she writes to you every Sunday, so I expect you will have enough letters when you arrive in England to read.

Be sure to let me know about the papers, if you get them or not. Pa is fine. He is over at the church now and I know sends you best love. I don't know how many have told me to remember them to you. I think all your girls. So goodbye dear Norman with heap of love from your loving Mother.

One of the girls writes a line

College St

Balmain

18.9.17

Dear Norm

Your mother gave us your photo on Sunday, and I must thank you very much for it. I think it is great, the image of you. I suppose you are thinking that it is about time I kept my promise and wrote to you, but everything has been upside down with the strike that you don't know what you are doing half the time. No doubt you have heard all about the strike here. Don't you think it is awful. It is bad enough striking in peace time but it is to bad altogether in war time. 

Things are much the same as ever over here. Nothing doing. Ettie? has gone to the club tonight but I had such a lot of letters to write that I decided to stay at home and get them finished. Seven of the girls from the club are taking the part of "Russia" in a Pageant on Saturday week. Don't you think we will look sweet in our National Costume. I will be taking some snaps of them so will send you some if they are any good. Your former pupils Lillie Buttel and Dorrie Dourie will be in it and I'm sure you will be pleased to get their photos. Bring back old memories for you eh!

An English mail is in today and we are all anxiously waiting for the post in the morning to see if we are lucky. I had quite a lot from Jack last mail. He was quite well and had been at an Artillery school for a month. Going to be a "General" I suppose. Have you met Frank yet? If so don't forget to let us know how he is getting along.

It is the anniversary of the mission this week, so Mr Wilton will be down. The Archbishop is holding a Confirmation Service at the church on Friday night. Mrs Whitehead gave an enlargement of Jack to the Sunday School and it was unveiled on Sunday week. It is a really beautiful photo. The image of poor Jack.

Well Norm, I'm sorry I can't write you a nice long letter this time, but I have to write all the boys letters for Christmas so haven't much time. Anyhow I will write again soon and tell you all the news. All here wish to be remembered to you and Ettie herself will be writing to you this mail.

It seems rather silly to wish you a Happy Christmas, still I do wish it, and hope you will have heaps of luck ans come home again very soon. I can't wish you more than that,

Au revoir with every good wish

    from your old friend

       Jackie Castle

6. Pa is always going to write, he will one of these days

Elsinore

September 16 1917

My dear darling boy,

Another Sunday and another letter, but not a line from you yet and it is getting on for 6 weeks now. You must be near London now. I know dear Norman that you will let me have a line that first chance you have or a Cable or something. I would give anything to know this day where you were and what you are doing. I suppose you have services on board very Sunday. Do you get the papers I send? You will see the Strike is not over yet, Is it not terrible the way they are leaving ones women and children starving and the fools of men walking about. They will find their mistake out directly when they loose their billets for the Government won't give in and the men will be beat for once but it might teach them a lesson. 

I don't suppose there are any transports going now unless they are got away by Volunteer labour but I think the strike will soon be over now and most of the Tram and Railway men are going back tomorrow and I think the men at the Docks. So I suppose they will struggle in one after another, if that and then War was over what a happy time we would have.

I am enclosing you another post card that came last week. I think from the Secretary whose place you took at Moor Park. He had not arrived home then, at least he wrote it at sea and posted it when he arrived home.

I have not been up to Illma's yet. There has been no trains, only the evening train going up for some time but now the morning train is running, so I suppose the Midday will soon be going. Eileen and Claude come down every day. Eileen came out last week and stopped from Friday till Monday. She had a tooth out at McManus's [dentist?] Uncle Willie was out one day. He wants me to take me out one day next week. I may go. I sent the piece out of the Balmain paper to Uncle Robert and told him and he could put it in his paper if he liked and has put it at the end of it. (Mr Barwick is a representative of the Old and Truthful, and which no doubt is a measure accounts for the young patriots' lofty aspirations) 

Things are just the same here. I have given all your photos away now, 4 dozen of them. If anyone wants any more they can pay for them. I suppose you find enough to do one way and another. What sort are the Chaplains I see you had some nurses on board too. The girls all ask after you and want to know if I have heard from you yet. Pa is alright again and sends love to you. He is always going to write. Will one of these days. 

The Confirmation will be next Friday. Mr Wilton is coming too and the Bishop is coming to St John's to confirm them. Mr Wilton will be here till the Wednesday after. Mr Manning is going back with him for a holiday. 

Goodbye dear Norman with heaps of love from your loving Mother.

[Dear reader, I have started to add paragraphs for your reading comfort! OmaRose]

My Dear Sister Maria

5. Pa sends best love

Elsinore

September 9 17

My dear old boy,

Another Sunday and another letter and I have not received one yet. Surely you never called at Dunedin or I would have had a letter before this. it is wearying waiting so long for a letter and don't know where you are. I had to order another dozen of your photos. two or three said you promised one to them. So I thought it was better to get some more. I have got your enlargement home and I can tell you Norman it is a bonsor. I got a beautiful frame for it and show it off. I think you are going to speak to me at times. but alas it is only a picture and I am disappointed. I got a nice long letter for you on Monday from Mat and her boy. Mat left your office. I forgot his name so I posted it onto you. There was a mail to leave on the Tuesday. I suppose it woould go by it. He seems to be doing a lot of work over there. I suppose you have seen him before this. He is near the Australia House. Be sure to tell me all about your voyage. if you were sick and feeding the fishes and all the rest of it. I hope not. I hope you had a good trip. I don't think there is anything fresh since last Sunday dear Norman. Only Mr Fitzhardinge little son died last Tuesday. I was speaking to Mrs Ward today. She said she was coming up to see me one day. She is very nice. I like her so much.I gave her your photo. I think she will go up to Illma's next week for a few days. She has not been down since your Pa was in bed all day Friday sick. He was better Saturday and seems better today. Is it any use sending you the papers? do you get them? let me know. I will number my letters for the future - this is my 5th. see if you get them all. the strike is coming to an end dear Norm. I think they are all going back on Tuesday on the old conditions. Mr Fisher never gave an inch. I don't know how the men like it but it will shew them they can't beat the Government. no more this time. dear boy Pa sends best love and heaps from your loving and affectionate Mother

I do miss you and wish you were back

4. All the old chooks are well

Note on top of page by ANS

Rec'd 19/11/17

Elsinore

September 2 17

My dear old boy,
Another Sunday and another letter. This is the 4th I have written now and not received one yet from you. But I am in hopes there is one at the office. I will get it in the morning. at least I hope so. Well dear boy how are you getting along now. I wonder where you are now. It is about 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon. My Gooud has just been in , I gave him your photo to give to the teachers, at least what you had down. I think you forgot the Back? girls and Ettie Castles. I got 3 doz and an enlargement and I will get another doz. Mrs Wise came in for one. Says you told her to ask me for one so now I will have to get get more. Mrs Penny's? concert came off on Thursday night and was a great success but of course we had St Johns. Weather, it came on to rain just as it was time to go and rained all the time it was  on and poured when we were coming out. A lot had to wait till it was over, then it cleared up and did not rain any all night. But the hall was full, made over six pounds. Mr Manning wants Miss Thring? Penny? to give it another night, it was so good. The strike is very bat yet Norman. getting worse. it will be worse next week. The men won't give in and I am sure the Government won't. They have nearly all the trains and trams running now. I think all the drivers are going back.all the Gas men are to be called out tomorrow and Mr day says all the printers are too. I think it is getting serious now. John Minor?, one of the volunteers shot one of the strikers and killed him but i suppose he will get out of it, being in self defence.
Well Norman, Eileen is here and is writing to you, so you will get enough news this time. Mr Cooud got a short note from Charley yesterday expects more tomorrow. There is nothing new to report this time. All seems about the same. Uncle Willie had his eye done. Came out of hospital yesterday. Seems fine. All the old chooks are well and the garden and everything just the same. Father is lying down, his Sunday beauty's sleep. hear him just coming out to send his best love to you and says he sends you a parish paper and heard no news of the Matunga yet. I suppose she has gone and all with her, Now dear Norman Goodbye with best and fondest love from your loving Mother.

[read the fate of the Matunga here-     http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?37126#108052]

3 My dear ducky Norman

Elsinore

August 26 1917

My dear ducky Norman,

Another Sunday and another letter. I wonder when you will get all my letters. I could not write this afternoon I went in to the unveiling of young Whiteheads photo in the [sunday] school. it was very nice, a beautiful service. There was a good many there too. Mrs Whitehead pulled the flag off. It is about the same size as Grant Ward's. He is a fine looking young fellow. Then Mrs Ward presented the prizes to the boys and one girl that won them, Grant Wards prize. Mrs Manning asked a lot of the teachers into tea. She sent for me but I couldn't go. I was going to write to you. The Mr Gooud came in and of course stopped to tea. So he has gone to Church now. so I must write a line to you. 

Mrs Thing ?.. has 4 letters from Stan on Friday. They were in quarantine for some time. had Mumps and other sickness on board. Those were the first letters she had from him. You know there are no mails coming now the strike is on. Mr Gooud says there is one from America if she [ship] called at New Zealand she may have one from you. I do hope she has. it seems such a long time since you left but I hope you are happy and having a good time. 12 months won't be long slipping away. in fact you might be home before that. I think they are trying to make peace now. is it not terrible the way the strike is now. Butchers and all in it. No meat yesterday for a good many. Mr Gooud says he got a nice piece of bacon for their dinner and there is talk of the Bakers coming out. but I am glad to see Fadden is such a strong man. He won't give in to them, but has got some thousand of volunteers for all kinds of work. They have a good many trams running and trains running now. one comes from Windsor in the morning and one up at night. I wish those......[page three missing]

2. The Butchers and Bakers are out on strike

Elsinore

August 18th 1917

My dear Norman,

I again take up my pen to write a few lines to you. I don't know when there is a mail going but will chances it. I wonder where you are, if you called at New Zealand?

I ought to have a letter on Monday or Tuesday if there are any mails coming. Archie Bears sent his mother a cable.said there were no mails coming did you see him over there? and Jack Waite, he's over there on the coast too. No one coming here while the strike is on.The strike is very bad dear Norman. Men are all out now. The last ones the Butchers and Bakers. I don't know if they will come out or not but the butchers will have to if they can't get the meat. The Government are filling up their places with Volunteers. They have about 2000 in camp at the Sydney Cricket Ground now, taking the trams, trains and unloading the boats. all the clerks are out shovelling the coal and all sorts of work. They have given the men until Thursday next to see if they will come back, but the Government are determined not to give in. So I think the men will have to come back. Dean Talbot has had a lot to say for the men and I see Fuller is giving it to him in today's paper. I will cut the clippings out and send them to you. it is a great pity it should have happened while the war is on isent it. Well I took your photos over on Monday. They will have them done the week after next. I ordered 3 doz and an enlargement. surely that will be enough. id not I will have to get more. I got such a nice letter from that man you wrote to in Melbourne about your policy and I wrote him a nice one in reply. he said I would get your money about 10th of next month. He thought that was about the time they paid.

Well Norman I don't think there is much news since you left. Illma will be writing to you and give you all the news about her sickness and all. We have had one death in the church last week. Mrs Yeo, poor Mrs Yeo's mother. she was ailing for some time and went off suddenly at the end and while they were in the church. one of the girls feinted. all the other girls and boys are well. Mr Gooud was here for tea Sunday evening. He is a nice fellow. He and I were having a great talk after tea about the girls. His own sisters I mean. I think he has a hard time with them but they may thank him some day for it all. Mrs Manning came in one day to see me and Mrs Patterson, Mrs Ellick and Mrs McLauglan, so I am having the women visitors. Well dear Norman how have you been getting on. Have you been sick or are you a good sailor? I suppose I was one up in the day time. I would go up to see Illma. I don't think Eileen or Claude are coming down yet. The N.. meat works are pushing to start tomorrow and start a free union of their own. I think it will do away with the unions here. They have arrested the 4 strike leaders. They are to be tried on Wednesday next.Most of the Tram men are going back. The Government have taken over the mines. They must have coal. so they want men to work them now and I guess they will get them too.You just got away on time. They are just getting the other Transports called up now. They say they can't be delayed. Oh Norman Mr Manning got word that Les Vale was killed. He told Mrs Vale but they won't tell Mr Vale. He is still very ill so I suppose they will be more contented now. They know the truth.
Well my dear boy I wonder where you are now. I suppose I will be going in for your photos on Wednesday they were to be done. We are having lovely weather. nice and warm in the day times. How is it with you. I guess you will find the warm shirts handy. I got you 4 of those new inside shirts and you have the three long sleeved ones and 2 pairs of drawers and the new pair of pyjamas. so that makes you three pair and I don't know how many sock. I just put your ....inside your shirts. if you give them out to be washed you would know them. How do you manage. Perhaps you was them out yourself. Tell me if it is any use ending you papers. They tell me they don't so I will send one with this letter and I sent one last week too. I hope you get them. Well Norman I think I will finish up now. I have nothing further to tell you. Pa is well. He is counting the days since you left. He said this morning it is 18 days now. I suppose he will soon be counting the months. I have had no letters from Illma this week yet I had letters from Aunt Mary and Mrs Gooud saying the boat did not call there. Now my dear son goodnight. I pray for you every night. that you may be spared and come back to your mother. with heaps of love from your father and mother.
[written in the margin] The first few days are the worst. Once you get over that you are right. I suppose Pa will write you a letter one of these days. I will be looking out for a letter Monday or Tuesday. so must say goodnight now. Pa joins in best love to you dear Norm and same from lour loving Mother. I pray to God every night my dear boy to take care of you and bring you safely back to me.

1. Four days after Arthur Norman Stanley departs

Elsinore

Balmain

August 12 1917

My dear Norman,

I must write a line today. I see there is a mail going tomorrow, in the chance it will get to you as soon as you arrive. Well my dear son, what sort of trip did you have. were you sick, and how long did you not have a C of E Chaplain on board. I suppose you had to take the services on Sunday. I am sending you the Observer with this letter which I hope you will receive all right. There is a short account in it of Tuesday night. I believe Mr Gooud put it in. Well Norman, poor Illma was too ill to come down that day. She had the Influenza very bad, had to have the Doctor. She and Eileen meant to come down on Tuesday morning but she had to stop in bed for the week. Both Eileen and Claude have bad colds. Illma thought they were getting it too. Why didn't you keep a piece of the blue ribbon you had in your hands? I brought mine home with me. The ribbons looked very nice that day, didn't they? Bob Adcock was in last night. He is thinking of calling at the YMCA tomorrow and offering as Secretary. General Pershing needs 500 Secretaries. I will send you the paper with it in. Bob thinks he would like to go and just as I was beginning my letter Mrs Ingham came in. She is very nice isn't she? She asked me to call and see her. So I must go over. My dear son it is only a few days since I saw you. but it seems weeks. take care of yourself dear boy, for your mother's sake. I will always be looking for letters from you. Everyone thinks it was a beautiful thought of you to give us that Bible before leaving. Mr Gooud has just come in and is addressing your letter. Pa joins in his love to my dear son with best love from your loving mother.

Letters from mother to son as he heads off to World War 1

What was life like after a mother sees her only son off to WW1? Many women had this experience.  No email, no skype, no face book, no phone contact, but weeks of hoping for news. What does she do?

Well, our Great Grandmother Maria wrote letters and these have have recently come to light. As I sorted them by date and then started to decipher her handwritten script, I began to get to know this lovely woman, sharing her support for her son and passing on daily news from their community of Balmain, Sydney. These letters commence as her son departs in 1917.

Predominantly it is Maria speaking to her son Norman in these letters, with a few letters from friends and relations that were in the bundle, also included. Her letters are very conversational, ideas flowing back and forward as if she is speaking to him. As a result her writing never includes commas or question marks, and many full stops are scattered through the sentences as pauses or when her nib needed a refill of ink! I warn the reader in advance to read these letters as you would hear Maria speak.

At times I have added punctuation where it really is essential for understanding (commas and question marks), but otherwise I have left the words speak as Maria intended. Occasionally I have also been unable to decipher a word or two, so  I have left a gap. This doesn't affect the general reading of the letters.  Maria didn't waste paper, with the letters written on both sides of the page and also down the margins! Paragraphs were not a feature, perhaps to save space.  After the first few typed letters, which I have tried to keep just as Maria wrote them, I will start to add capital letters and paragraphs for ease of reading!!  I want this blog to be Maria's, but if  I feel that an explanation may be needed, I will add it in italics.

Given the passing of almost a hundred years, the people mentioned have passed on. While it is an honour to get to know them through their words, I will make some edits to protect privacy of existing family if needed. We thank our Auntie Grace for caring for these papers, so that we can now 'know' Great Grandma Maria and the community of Balmain.

Rosemary