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