Doug writes with news of men who have returned to Balmain

Lincoln St

Campsie

27. 1. 1918

Dear old Norm,
I suppose you will say 'its up to you' and so it is. Dode seems to get in early and sends all the news. Glad to hear you are going alright, Norm and that you are OK. We are always thinking and talking about you as up fore. Jack Beard was in on Friday and we were mutually talking about our old cobber and wandering where you were. Jack has been to New Zealand again and on return to Sydney his boat "the Victoria" was sold to a Chinese firm. The firm sent it back to Newcastle a couple of times to fit new wireless plant on steamers there. He's just the same old , quiet stick.
CG (Charles Gooud) is elated at winning the Championship in the "Unique" on Saturday last. I believe he's presenting the medal to Mrs Cox.
Terribly sad about poor old Charl wasn't it? My word St John's have suffered terribly these last 6 months - the latest dear old Stan King being called away, coming as a shock to everybody. He was such a boy and away no time.
It was very good of you Norm, to make those enquiries about Tas, and to write such a considerate and thoughtful letter to Dode and Mr and Mrs Vale.
We had a leter from that poor young chap Arthur Evans, in reply to the one we wrote him, before he went back to France the second tim. He did not actually say that Tas died alongside him- he had to leave him but he did not say he died. We had word from the Military People when Mr Vale was ill - not long after you left, but they cannot give any definite details. There does not seem much hope, but the impossible has happened in other cases and who knows but that it will happen in theirs. There's no one actually seen him dead.
We called on Mrs Evans and Mary? tried a couple of days after Arthur was killed, about last .......... He was sent back to the front with a withered hand. Mrs Evans' is a widow and Arthur was one of the best. Her daughter-in-law and son are a great comfort to her , particularly the former. She is a real trick.
Your Mother and Father are both looking well Norm. Whenever I am over, I have a chat with them - Dode? took the services the Sunday after hearing the news about Stan and your father was the same as ever. Dodie got a sneaking regard for him and I think its reciprocated. I'll have to watch her. I suppose your Mother told you all the nice things the YMCA had to say about you here. My Mother was with her and they were beaming you up a truck. Eh, what?
The Birchgrove Regatta resulted in a profit of 35 Pound, handed to the Balmain Hospital.
Our lawns and gardens are a picture at present. You remember the lawn we put in- well it came up all weeds, so whose Jonah? I had to dig it all up again and go through the same performance and they say gardening is a beautiful hobby. I don't think. Our asters are just coming out and we have about 200 plants, so there will be 'some' show.
We went over to the Sunday School Bazaar - I suppose it is stale news to you now - Harry Allen was there as ......   .......    and so were Mr Gooud and yours truly, but I missed the smiling countenance of "my old treasurer" It seemed strange to me. New faces soon crop up don't they, Norm - the little time we have been actually away from active work and when you go to one of the socials, you seem lost.
You remember young Russell? of the Young Men's Club? He has been killed in action - Reg Hancock is home again (I have not seen him yet) Colin Causdell and Percy Anderson are also home. Will Lynch, Dad's Uncle, had returned. Do you ever hear of Ted Shepherd, Norm? I have lost trace of him. I hear you have met George Noble. I am glad you seen him - remember us to him when you see him again. I believe he has developed into a fine man.
Mr Vale is not right yet - he is lowly improving, but he gets terribly excited when he argues. They are up with us now for a while, then they are to ..... "......." and Balmain has been let furnished.
Well dear old Norm, there is nothing further I can think of - if there is anything I can do for you please command. I have you in our thoughts and prayers at all times, from your sincere pal,
Doug.