Dot write of the doings of some people nearer home.

99 Louisa Rd

Long nose point

Balmain

1.12.17

Dear Norm

It was great to hear that you had arrived safe and sound in London for in these times of submarine warfare you never know what the ships next move will be. You seem to have had a lovely trip and it makes a great difference if every one is agreeable and willing to fall in with all arrangements. Just imagine you having all kinds of sports on board. It must be interesting  and certainly does help to while away the time.

I am glad you have some nice Sisters on board for now Norm (although I says it myself) they do throw a light on the subject Don't they?

You were very lucky to have gone via the Panama Canal but oh to arrive in London and find you can only have 1/3 worth? work?. but I think occasionally I should visit 2 places a night. Of course I don't intend putting ideas into your head but it was merely my first thought on reading your card. That is one thing that  feel sure that I would like to live in London for is that you can always see a Grand Opera for out here (as you know) it is only an occasional treat and then you can't always afford to go too much. I love them and "Aida" is a very pretty little thing but my favourites are "Lucia" and "La Traviata". But from what I hear climatic conditions would be somewhat get you down after Dear old Ausy as Charlie used to say but the latest is that we are not going to have any fine weather till after Xmas and from all appearances of the last fortnight and tonight's promises he will not be far wrong. 

On Thursday they had the St Andrews festival and the rendering was beautiful. I can say it for this time I was in the congregation and fully appreciated it. They had it on the Eve of the day this time as Friday was Red Cross Day. There were hardly any stalls but mostly buttons were sold and up till now have over 50,000 Pounds. It is simply marvelous the way the people roll up with the money but it seems to me they want the men and they are going to have a great tussle over this referendum. I am afraid as we seem to be infested with the I.W.W (Industrial Workers of the World) element out here, but I will ring off Politics and try and give you some of the doings of some people nearer home.

Last night the Bazaar was opened by Mrs Cakehouse accompanied by Mr C in full dress uniform and he looked great. He said he was acting as Mrs C's Aide-de-Camp. The stalls looked very pretty and very full and made the holders feel very proud. Young Clarie Orr has done wonderfully well and the donations he has had given him was remarkable these times, nearly every place he wrote to was forthcoming and liberally at that. Mrs Irwin had the refreshments, Ada the Sweets, Mrs Manning Fancy, Nina Produce and Miscellaneous. It all looked very nice and reflects great credit on all concerned. They took over 20 pound last night and I suppose will tell will tell you at the end of this letter today's takings. I went up last night and popped in this afternoon but stayed away bright to write letters as there is a mail out first thing Monday morning. What do you think. I won the candle lighting. I lit 34 with one match. I don't know myself how I did it but there it is. Harry Allen arranged the competitions and is back at the church since his wife died. Eva and Fred Woodward were over with their little son 6 weeks old and he is such a good little chap and never murmured. Reg Hancock is coming home and expects to arrive here about Xmas time as his lungs are weak and the Doctor does not think he will stand another winter in England. Bob Bydder is also on his way home.

The Rectory is looking well now and the roes have been very nice. Mr Manning deserves to have a nice place as he looks after it well. I was talking to your Mother quite a while last night and is very bright at the fact of getting your letters and it is good when mail day comes around. As Young Charlie would say 'mail day is Pay Day' these times. I was up at "Warriwee" on the North Shore line staying last week and it was lovely. I would have liked three months of it, I felt so well.

Well Norm I must close now. Hoping you are well and happy in your new work and trust that you will continue to be so until you return to Dear old Australia with very best wishes from all at 99 and Good luck,

from one of the crowd, Dot.

PS

They realised 50 pound Ada just told me. Don't you think itis very good for a Sunday school Bazaar.

Russell is to be married next month and has been given the parish of Berry. CG said he will not believe it till he is at the alter as it is about the 7th time but this seems to me OK.