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.