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