30 The blessed rats are taking all our chickens

Elsinore

27 Spring St

February 2 1918

labelled as letter # 27 (but she has lost count!)

My dearest Norman,

Another letter, although I don't see any mails advertised, but i will post and it will catch the first mail going. That is what you want to do, be sure  and write every week; if it is only a couple of lines, then I will get 3 or 4 every mail. If there is a ling time between them, as the last, just a month a long time to wait for letters isn't it? I don't know how it is but Mr Gooud and Mrs Mackay always seem to get their letters a day before i get mine. I suppose they just just get into the bag that is opened. One day I got one of your letters 3 days after the mail came in. 

I think dear Norman that I have got all that you sent to me. I got the souvenir book from Halifax, also another small book with birds eye view of the canal (Panama) and the little ships going through and a pack of cards, handkerchiefs and other little things. I think the hankies are very pretty.

I had a letter from the Secretary from Melbourne this week saying the 'Anchise' would be in Sydney in a couple of days. I don't think they can want transports very badly for I am sure she arrived in Melbourne nearly a month ago. She may have been in dock there I suppose. I will be hearing something from that office now. 

Well my dear son, I suppose you have had lots of my letters by now..all the gossip of the town. Do you see the women out at their gates gossiping like they do here? Well not here, but down at Mort Street they used to. 

I have had Bert and Eileen here last night. They came yesterday. Bert went up to Macleans and had two teeth out, he thinks. They were the two front teeth, so he looks funny without them. I suppose later he ill have to get some more in. He is growing a fine boy. 

Norm, I was thinking if you gave the Church 1.10.0 the boys club 10p it would b better. Mr Gooude says th Church is badly in need of help. Mr Manning was telling Pa the other day they would have to cut down on things, but he said they couldn't do without the verger. That was one thing, I think they will have to reduce his on salary. We got over the harvest festival all right and Mr Walker's cows got the corn stalks after and our fowls the corn, so they ought to lay now. Eggs are going up a bit here now. I never knew them so cheap at Xmas time as they were this Xmas. They were only 1p but they are now up to 2 shillings now.They will be getting near your London prices. I do wish I could send you some. They would be lovely. I think I will try a few in a tin some day when I am sending something.

The Beck girls and Castles were telling Ines today they had letters from you. I sent you Clarry's address in a letter and will get ......from Aunt Maggie. I have not got Margie Bucknell's yet. You know her married name is Mrs Padley. You might find out I believe that she sings yet at some of the music halls. He brothers go to see her when they are in England. I believe that one of them came home last week with only one eye.

Just been talking to Mr Gooude. He is going to Mrs Cox for tea. He is coming here next Sunday. Poor old George. Yes I see the mails coming here are lost in that boat between 15th and 25th of last month. I suppose some of yours are gone in her. Mr Gooud was saying they all had letters from Stan King last mail; it is very sad isn't it? I believe Daphne is engaged to some Doctor who had ben attending her mother when she was ill. She will be somebody won't she?

Well now my darling Son, I must conclude; I have no more news.

Illma and all her family are well. She got two letters from you last mail. Did you write to her? I sent my to with Eileen for her to read and Pa ends best love and accept heaps of love and kisses from your ever loving Mother.

Oh, I must tell you the blessed rats are taking all our chickens and they are nearly all grown. Pa must poison them.