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]