Elsinore
27 Spring Street
Balmain
30th March 1918
My dear darling son
I have not received more letters from you. I got one on Monday and a photo from you and that is dated Feb 8th and then today I got another dated Jan 28th and a medal about the sinking of the Lusitania so you can see I got the first letter last and the last letter first. So you can't tell how they come. Write and post them and they catch the first mail. Pa has not got his letter yet. You said you had written to him. It may come yet. I am glad you got the draft all safe! I only received your cable today and got your card last week. The cable is dated 21st Feb so you see I got the card before the cable. They take such a time to come now and cost such a lot. I think this card is lovely, such lovely words in it. I never saw one life it before. I think you must had had it printed with Mum on it.
Well dear Norman, I am glad to know you are settled in your little kiosk now and hope you get on alright. You seem to have it more comfortable, with your electric light, and heaters, chair, cushions and flowers. I think I must get a radiator this winter and be as grand as you...but you are going into the summer and we into the winter. We have had a very mild summer. In fact you could harly call it summer. I never knew a summer like it - as long as I can remember. I think we will have a long cold winter.
What sort of Lady is your lady in Charge? Mind your heart Norman and unless you find a girl like your sister with a sweet, amenable temper ...but don't have anything to do with Widows - their husbands may be turning up some day and then what a fix you're in.
I suppose you feel very big with your cheque book now, you can share with me!! When you have as much money as the King. I am glad you enjoyed your visit to O......., it would be a nice rest for you. You may be sure I am glad I am not in London and having to take my turn at the Butchers. I don't think I would often go. I would go without meat first. I hope it never comes to that here. I have sent you two parcels dear Norm and would like to hear if you got them, before sending more, and how the things in them were.I had a nice cake made, iced all over and would like to know that was when you got it and Illma's pudding; was it any good? I would like to send you some eggs but know they would be bad, kept so long. The next parcel I will send by one of the Secretaries (YMCA workers) , if there are any going. Mr Gillanders told me to. He said they would be going in May.
Wel Norm this is easter Saturday. Yesterday was a hot clear day- did you have any buns? the same here as last time. You had to go for them. I went in to the 3 hour service but instead of 3 we had 4 hours. I was getting tired and thought he was a long time and when we came out it was 4 o'clock. Mr manning said he thought it was only 3! We have the Church all done up for tomorrow and it looks very nice. Poor pa had a busy week this week at the Church. At the carnival minding the cricket grounds and of course he had to get someone to attend the Church but everything passed off alright. He missed his own dear boy for that he is down there tonight and Monday night is the last and I am very glad and Pa too. He gets 10/- a night, not too bad is it? but it is too late. We are not in bed much before 12 o'clock. We had Olivet and Calvary on last night. Johnny Sloper? and Meg Hancock were singing but I was only in for 1/2 hour. George came in just as we finished tea and he didn't care about going in. So I didn't like stopping while he was here. You might say it was his first time he ever was here. You remember he came one night when we were all in bed and away the next morning before we were up! So he stopped all night and till the midday train and went home with Claude. he is in love with this place. Says we have a lovely place.
Well Norm I have given your money all in. They were all very pleased to get it and are going to thank you themselves.
Sunday morning
I was in this morning at 8 o'clock Communion. There were a good number there. More than last Easter. They got over 9.0.0 I believe. There were only 6 at 6 o'clock. Pas has just been in and says there are a good many now at 11 o'clock. I don't hear Mr Gooude's voice. so I think he must be away on his holidays. We have had two mails in on top of one another, so I suppose it will be some time before we have another one in. There is one leaving here for England on Tuesday so I will post this tonight then it is sure to catch the mail. They are having the Sunday School Picnic I think it is to be the 15th of next month and a Concert the Wednesday before. I don't hear anything about the prozes...Oh, I forgot they presented the prizes some time ago. I think I told you in a former letter I think Mrs Irwin will be leaving after Easter. Her and Mrs best had a few words so she said she would leave. I don't know if she means it or not. She is a funny person. You never know when you have her or not. I am glad you are having some of the wind over there for we have had more than our fare share, but just at present we are having beautiful weather, lovely days and nice cool moonlit nights. Ideal weather I call it, but I suppose we will have storms after this. They had a terrible one in Melbourne. I sent you the papers about it. Did you get it? You can't get all the papers that I send for i have sent doubles. What you say you have received to the 15th December. I always send Saturday's Telegraph and sometime one or two more.
Well my darling I think I have written enough. You will be tried of reading. I hope you are well and happy and like your work. I hope the war will be over soon and that I will soon have my dear boy home again. That is all that I wish. I hear poor Uncle Archie is very bad. Willie was here the other day. He is going up to see him. You know that he is up at the Richmond River. Illma's family are all well, Pa and self. Pa sends best love to you and goodnight my darling Norman. God bless with best love and kisses from your loving and affectionate Mother.
Friday, 27 May 2016
Tuesday, 24 May 2016
35 All the girls seem to have had letters from you!
Elsinore
27 Spring Street
Balmain
22nd march 1918
My dear darling Norman,
I received another letter from you this week but i received a letter from you three weeks ago. this one is dated 30 dec and the other was some tie in January. I sent it up to Illma so can't see the date. Never mind, there are all letters from my dear boy. The last one you said you had a touch of cold, but I hope it was not much. Keep your warm clothes on and look after yourself and don't be getting cold. Well Norm you say you received a telegraph from me and Pa. I have sent you papers every week since you left, always two and sometimes 3 or 4 a week. I have sent you a few Melbourne papers too. I don't know where the letters and papers go to. I know there are some of yours I haven't got yet. You must have got a lot of letters by that mail and answered a lot. All the girls seem to have got letters from you. I have just Mr Manning's letter. He gave it to me to read saying he had such a nice letter from you and just when I finished that in walks Mr Gooude with his letter so I had that to read.
Well my dear boy we have gay times in Balmain this last week or two and this week has been lively. We have the big show on at the Grove I told you about in my last letter and then we had a big Bazaar in at the Town Hall. Our new Governor opened it yesterday and his Lady with him. They both seemed very nice and I am sure will be very popular. He went around every stall and bought something, even the vegetables. He bought a lot of beans and they stopped ll the afternoon and seemed to enjoy themselves. The Bazaar is in aid of the wounded soldiers. Pa is down at the Grove tonight minding the Cricket Patches (she clearly writes patches not pitches!) They have them roped in but still they walk over them, so they will have three men over to look after them. He will be there all next week too. Holy week and there are services on every night, always the way isn't it?
Cecil Millar came back yesterday. He is stopping up at Willie Gildings place. Me Manning went up to see him today but he was out at the Hospital. They say his shoulder is all shot away; his arm is useless. It couldn't be poor Stan to come back. I believe Matty Elliott is not going after all. They were to have gone yesterday but he didn't go. He was on his final leave last week and I believe his mother was awful. They had to send for the Doctor for her so the poor boy was really distracted. He was in with Mr Manning for a couple of hours one night. Didn't know what to do. So I heard he bought himself out for his Mother's sake of course. I don't know the truth of it yet, but I think he will be sorry yet for it. He is the talk of everyone. He will be ashamed to show out. I am sure she did not love her son more than I did, but I hid it all and kept smiling for his sake for I knew he would like the trips and I think she will be sorry for it yet.
Kack Storey went as a Private. They had too many Officers and couldn't give them all Commissions, so Jack said he didm't care. He would go as a private and so he went and is sailing the seas now. I think he was going by the 'Nessie', not sure. Think it was one of those boats. He has your address and is going to see you when he goes over. He has got fat since he went into camp.
Well Norm, I have given your money 5.0.0 away. Just gave Mr Manning 1.0.0 for the choir as he was going into Church and asked him to give it to Miss Bawden. I gave Mr manning his for the rectory and my own talent bag. I had only 12s in it and gave 10s of that myself. You know he gave some of us bags with 4s in them, to buy something with, sell that and get something more and so on, but I couldn't do it so I put 10s in it and gave it back to him. We are to give them in this month. I won't take one again.
Mr Gooude was here last night so I gave him the 1.0.0 for the Sunday School and 10s for the Club and told him to give it to the treasurer and now I only have Mrs Berkleys? tonight 1.10.0. I know it is a week before Easter but I may be away next Sunday. I was thinking of going up to Illma's next Saturday. I don't know, I may go only I don't like going by train holiday times, it is so crowded. Mrs Bring? said they would write to you and get the Secretary to write. Cecil is in the Choir today. I wonder now how Mrs Bring feels..it couldn't be poor Stan. He said he was coming in to see me. I see Mr beard there too. They must have come in the morning, early. I know Winnie was expecting jack in. I told you in a former letter they were married. I think he will be leaving the boat this trip. I don't know if Archie Beard is or not.
Well Norm, i think your diary has been around the country now. Mr ward had it last week. This week the Castles and back had it and I don't know who is to have it next week. They all say it is most interesting. Mrs Ward says it is lovely. When you come back you must type it all off. (Hah, wish he had typed all these letters up!! It is taking ages...I am now really curious about the diary..) I put a cover on it to protect it. Mr Manning thinks your letter is a very nice one. He says he must write to you.
Well now dear Norman, I must say goodbye, take care of yourself and get to bed early and up early in the mornings for I suppose you are getting nice spring weather now. They say it is lovely there in the spring.
I forgot to tell we bought 2 garden seats from Mrs Lewis. You know Mr Lewis the Blacksmith, where Pa used to work. He made most of the forms for the school. Well he died a few weeks ago, so we bought a couple of the forms for the verandah. Pa told Mr Manning for they might think we took them out of the school! Mr Gooude is coming over to tea so I must tell him. We got the two for 1.5.0; one is 4' long and the other 6', so we will have plenty of seats now. If we haven't got the gas box, we have a nice seat. Pa has made a nice gate for the side of the verandah and it looks alright. He keeps the lawn nice now and the place looks well.
I began this Friday night and only finishing now. Mr Gooude will soon be coming in so must finish. George, Illma and all in their care are well. and so are we. Pa sends best love to you and so do I. Heaps of love and kisses from your loving and affectionate Mother.
Dear Norm, I nearly forgot to tell you poor .......Goodsir is dead. Mrs Goodsir will be in a state won't she?
27 Spring Street
Balmain
22nd march 1918
My dear darling Norman,
I received another letter from you this week but i received a letter from you three weeks ago. this one is dated 30 dec and the other was some tie in January. I sent it up to Illma so can't see the date. Never mind, there are all letters from my dear boy. The last one you said you had a touch of cold, but I hope it was not much. Keep your warm clothes on and look after yourself and don't be getting cold. Well Norm you say you received a telegraph from me and Pa. I have sent you papers every week since you left, always two and sometimes 3 or 4 a week. I have sent you a few Melbourne papers too. I don't know where the letters and papers go to. I know there are some of yours I haven't got yet. You must have got a lot of letters by that mail and answered a lot. All the girls seem to have got letters from you. I have just Mr Manning's letter. He gave it to me to read saying he had such a nice letter from you and just when I finished that in walks Mr Gooude with his letter so I had that to read.
Well my dear boy we have gay times in Balmain this last week or two and this week has been lively. We have the big show on at the Grove I told you about in my last letter and then we had a big Bazaar in at the Town Hall. Our new Governor opened it yesterday and his Lady with him. They both seemed very nice and I am sure will be very popular. He went around every stall and bought something, even the vegetables. He bought a lot of beans and they stopped ll the afternoon and seemed to enjoy themselves. The Bazaar is in aid of the wounded soldiers. Pa is down at the Grove tonight minding the Cricket Patches (she clearly writes patches not pitches!) They have them roped in but still they walk over them, so they will have three men over to look after them. He will be there all next week too. Holy week and there are services on every night, always the way isn't it?
Cecil Millar came back yesterday. He is stopping up at Willie Gildings place. Me Manning went up to see him today but he was out at the Hospital. They say his shoulder is all shot away; his arm is useless. It couldn't be poor Stan to come back. I believe Matty Elliott is not going after all. They were to have gone yesterday but he didn't go. He was on his final leave last week and I believe his mother was awful. They had to send for the Doctor for her so the poor boy was really distracted. He was in with Mr Manning for a couple of hours one night. Didn't know what to do. So I heard he bought himself out for his Mother's sake of course. I don't know the truth of it yet, but I think he will be sorry yet for it. He is the talk of everyone. He will be ashamed to show out. I am sure she did not love her son more than I did, but I hid it all and kept smiling for his sake for I knew he would like the trips and I think she will be sorry for it yet.
Kack Storey went as a Private. They had too many Officers and couldn't give them all Commissions, so Jack said he didm't care. He would go as a private and so he went and is sailing the seas now. I think he was going by the 'Nessie', not sure. Think it was one of those boats. He has your address and is going to see you when he goes over. He has got fat since he went into camp.
Well Norm, I have given your money 5.0.0 away. Just gave Mr Manning 1.0.0 for the choir as he was going into Church and asked him to give it to Miss Bawden. I gave Mr manning his for the rectory and my own talent bag. I had only 12s in it and gave 10s of that myself. You know he gave some of us bags with 4s in them, to buy something with, sell that and get something more and so on, but I couldn't do it so I put 10s in it and gave it back to him. We are to give them in this month. I won't take one again.
Mr Gooude was here last night so I gave him the 1.0.0 for the Sunday School and 10s for the Club and told him to give it to the treasurer and now I only have Mrs Berkleys? tonight 1.10.0. I know it is a week before Easter but I may be away next Sunday. I was thinking of going up to Illma's next Saturday. I don't know, I may go only I don't like going by train holiday times, it is so crowded. Mrs Bring? said they would write to you and get the Secretary to write. Cecil is in the Choir today. I wonder now how Mrs Bring feels..it couldn't be poor Stan. He said he was coming in to see me. I see Mr beard there too. They must have come in the morning, early. I know Winnie was expecting jack in. I told you in a former letter they were married. I think he will be leaving the boat this trip. I don't know if Archie Beard is or not.
Well Norm, i think your diary has been around the country now. Mr ward had it last week. This week the Castles and back had it and I don't know who is to have it next week. They all say it is most interesting. Mrs Ward says it is lovely. When you come back you must type it all off. (Hah, wish he had typed all these letters up!! It is taking ages...I am now really curious about the diary..) I put a cover on it to protect it. Mr Manning thinks your letter is a very nice one. He says he must write to you.
Well now dear Norman, I must say goodbye, take care of yourself and get to bed early and up early in the mornings for I suppose you are getting nice spring weather now. They say it is lovely there in the spring.
I forgot to tell we bought 2 garden seats from Mrs Lewis. You know Mr Lewis the Blacksmith, where Pa used to work. He made most of the forms for the school. Well he died a few weeks ago, so we bought a couple of the forms for the verandah. Pa told Mr Manning for they might think we took them out of the school! Mr Gooude is coming over to tea so I must tell him. We got the two for 1.5.0; one is 4' long and the other 6', so we will have plenty of seats now. If we haven't got the gas box, we have a nice seat. Pa has made a nice gate for the side of the verandah and it looks alright. He keeps the lawn nice now and the place looks well.
I began this Friday night and only finishing now. Mr Gooude will soon be coming in so must finish. George, Illma and all in their care are well. and so are we. Pa sends best love to you and so do I. Heaps of love and kisses from your loving and affectionate Mother.
Dear Norm, I nearly forgot to tell you poor .......Goodsir is dead. Mrs Goodsir will be in a state won't she?
34 Fundraising for the Wounded Soldier's Fund
Elsinore
27 Spring street
Balmain
March 16th '18
My dear old Norman,
I again take up my pen to write a line to you. I have had no more letters, so I suppose they must have been gone in the Halifax disaster. I received your parcel from Johnny Borthwick and his girl came in last night. She looks so different from what she used to do. I always thought her a pretty girl but she is not so now.
Well Norman, I gave Mr Manning the books you asked me to and he has printed one of the hymns out of it and putting them in the back of the Prayer books to sing in chirch. I think it will be very nice. I gave one for Dave(Guy?) Cowell to give to his mother. He may b in tonight so he will get it and I may post Mr ....and give Mr Gooud's to him tomorrow; so that will be allright. I asked Borthwick if he would take a parcel for you, but he said he would be on the water such a long time I could send it quicker some other way, but I won't send any more till I know what you want and see if you get what I send.
Well Norm, dear Matey Elliott and Jack Storey are going at last, next week. I think they are coming to Communion tomorrow morning. If not Mr Manning will have a special night for them if they can get away. They had their final leave this wekk. Mrs Elliott is in an awful way. She collapsed on Wednesday. They had to send for the Doctor for her. She is not going to the boat to see him off. She says she couldn't go. I think she would be better if she did. I know I was better for going to see you off than if I had stopped at home. Matey is a fine young fellow. He has such a commanding air abut him and looks so well in his uniform. I think it is a sin to see such nice young men like that going away to be killed, ins't it? They could not take a parcel for they have their own bags with them. may God watch over and take care of them and bring them safely back to their loved ones, is my warmest prayer.
They have a big Carnival at the Grove dear Norman for the Hospital. Its been on since last Saturday night and is to be on all next week. You should see the crowds of people and the trams are packed and I believe they are doing well. The chocolate wheels re doing well. Mrs Irwin is in charge of them. She was telling me today they took about 84 pound last night and then they have dozens of side shows. Dad and I will go down one night next week and then Mrs Storey is having another big affair, a Bazaar. Our new Premier is coming next week to open it in the Town hall. Won't we be Grand. That is for the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. I saw that Bonny? Arnott in Church the other night with his young lady. He has a great mark on his face yet. Mrs Ward had your diary last night and she says she thinks it is very interesting and she wrote to you after she read it, so I suppose she told you about it. I am going to find it and bring it back tomorrow. Mrs Ward is very nice to your house and speaks so nicely.
--if any reader knows where this diary may be, I would love to know so that I can read it. It seems that most of Balmain read it!! I am hoping it may be tucked away in a library or museum??.........ED.
Sunday morning. I went into Communion this morning. Jack Storey was there. I suppose Matey couldn't get away but he might be here some night before he goes.
Well mt dear boy, the weather is getting quite cool now. We have not had much hot weather this summer and I suppose your weather is getting warmer. You must have looked nice in your dress uniform. It is not so cold now when it is snowing as just before it comes on. You will be having the lovely spring now, then you will see some flowers. They tell me they are beautiful there. Don't forget to get me some seeds of the nice ones. I might be able to grow them or some bulbs of the lilies and things. I love the bulbous flowers. Well my dear now how are you getting along? I have received no cable yet. Did you send one? Penny Hamilton says she got her cable 2 weeks after her birthday. Mine might be the same.
Pa has never used your watch. I think it would be better in use. I never have it going.
I am going up to Illma next week I think. I will give your 5.0.0. (pounds.shillings.pence) in next Sunday. I think they were all well when heard last and now my darling adieu - best love from Pa and same from your loving and affectionate Mother XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
27 Spring street
Balmain
March 16th '18
My dear old Norman,
I again take up my pen to write a line to you. I have had no more letters, so I suppose they must have been gone in the Halifax disaster. I received your parcel from Johnny Borthwick and his girl came in last night. She looks so different from what she used to do. I always thought her a pretty girl but she is not so now.
Well Norman, I gave Mr Manning the books you asked me to and he has printed one of the hymns out of it and putting them in the back of the Prayer books to sing in chirch. I think it will be very nice. I gave one for Dave(Guy?) Cowell to give to his mother. He may b in tonight so he will get it and I may post Mr ....and give Mr Gooud's to him tomorrow; so that will be allright. I asked Borthwick if he would take a parcel for you, but he said he would be on the water such a long time I could send it quicker some other way, but I won't send any more till I know what you want and see if you get what I send.
Well Norm, dear Matey Elliott and Jack Storey are going at last, next week. I think they are coming to Communion tomorrow morning. If not Mr Manning will have a special night for them if they can get away. They had their final leave this wekk. Mrs Elliott is in an awful way. She collapsed on Wednesday. They had to send for the Doctor for her. She is not going to the boat to see him off. She says she couldn't go. I think she would be better if she did. I know I was better for going to see you off than if I had stopped at home. Matey is a fine young fellow. He has such a commanding air abut him and looks so well in his uniform. I think it is a sin to see such nice young men like that going away to be killed, ins't it? They could not take a parcel for they have their own bags with them. may God watch over and take care of them and bring them safely back to their loved ones, is my warmest prayer.
They have a big Carnival at the Grove dear Norman for the Hospital. Its been on since last Saturday night and is to be on all next week. You should see the crowds of people and the trams are packed and I believe they are doing well. The chocolate wheels re doing well. Mrs Irwin is in charge of them. She was telling me today they took about 84 pound last night and then they have dozens of side shows. Dad and I will go down one night next week and then Mrs Storey is having another big affair, a Bazaar. Our new Premier is coming next week to open it in the Town hall. Won't we be Grand. That is for the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. I saw that Bonny? Arnott in Church the other night with his young lady. He has a great mark on his face yet. Mrs Ward had your diary last night and she says she thinks it is very interesting and she wrote to you after she read it, so I suppose she told you about it. I am going to find it and bring it back tomorrow. Mrs Ward is very nice to your house and speaks so nicely.
--if any reader knows where this diary may be, I would love to know so that I can read it. It seems that most of Balmain read it!! I am hoping it may be tucked away in a library or museum??.........ED.
Sunday morning. I went into Communion this morning. Jack Storey was there. I suppose Matey couldn't get away but he might be here some night before he goes.
Well mt dear boy, the weather is getting quite cool now. We have not had much hot weather this summer and I suppose your weather is getting warmer. You must have looked nice in your dress uniform. It is not so cold now when it is snowing as just before it comes on. You will be having the lovely spring now, then you will see some flowers. They tell me they are beautiful there. Don't forget to get me some seeds of the nice ones. I might be able to grow them or some bulbs of the lilies and things. I love the bulbous flowers. Well my dear now how are you getting along? I have received no cable yet. Did you send one? Penny Hamilton says she got her cable 2 weeks after her birthday. Mine might be the same.
Pa has never used your watch. I think it would be better in use. I never have it going.
I am going up to Illma next week I think. I will give your 5.0.0. (pounds.shillings.pence) in next Sunday. I think they were all well when heard last and now my darling adieu - best love from Pa and same from your loving and affectionate Mother XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Friday, 6 May 2016
Dot reports in on the social life in Balmain
99 Louisa Rd
Long Nose Point
Balmain
10.3.18
Dear Norm,
Have just come home from church and as there is a mail out tomorrow thought I would drop you a short note for having been away from home once myself I know how letters from Sydney are ever welcome no matter how many. Oh how I did watch the postman go from house to house all the way down the street to he came to us when a Sydney mail was in and all the boys say the same. Young Charlie termed it mail day was Pay Day. On the other hand we too look forward to a mail as you know.
Well Norm we had a great man tonight Mr Hope from Christchurch and has a musical voice but rather inclined to be high. I daresay you will hear the home churches that way for mother says they have all more or less a tendency that way.
From all appearances we should have a very good choir at Easter for the rendering of "Olivet to Calvary". * see link below if you are interested in listening to it. Reg is back and Bob Roper is going to take the solo parts so it seems that it will almost make us think of old times. I cannot help thinking of the boys that have gone on choir practice night for what brings thoughts back to you more than the music. Just fancy you hearing "There is a green hill" so far away.
Mrs Hancock had about a dozen of us over to tea last Sunday week and it was lovely. When Jess and Bob R are together it needs no other to entertain the company. Bob Roper sang several times and Reg sang "When you come home".# It is just grand to have one of our boys back but it makes me feel very much for the mothers who have lost their sons. Joe is in hospital in Surrey by his letter this mail and I have written him to go and call on you so do hope he does.
I wrote to a nurse friend of mine to go and see you but I am very sorry to have to tell you she is believed to have gone down in the "Glenart Castle".^ She and I have been very old friends and wrote regularly to each other. Mother and I went out to her place last Sunday and while we were there they had a ring from the PO saying that a cable was there that she was missing. I still feel confident that she must have been picked up for surely the nurses would have been launched first. She was a lovely girl Norm and by all accounts of the boys she has nursed was loved by all and has been at the war nursing for three years and was due to come home on furlough in April next. She was one of the nurses sent to the British Govt by Australia. Sister Edith Blake is her name for fear you may hear of her.
Ada said to tell you that the picnic is on the 17th April and they have sent out a referendum and the yes votes are in a majority. You will hear more later on.
Mrs Llewellyn is getting a concert up for the 13th April to raise funds. There is a grand affair down the grove at present. Side show, merry go rounds, Razzle Dazzle Circus and Chocolate wheels etc and all around the grove are different Coloured Electric lights and look very well. Last night the water was very calm and from the boat it all had an appearance of the pictures we see of Venice and only wanted the Gondolas to complete the picture. There were thousands down there and the trams were packed. It is to last a fortnight from yesterday and a great part of the takings are for the balmain Hospital and Red cross. Balmain is coming on and is going to finish up with a Venetian Carnival given by all the different clubs. Well Norm will tell you more later on. Must close this time as I am pretty tired. Hoping you are OK and well in your new work.
Best of wishes from all at 99, from one of the crowd, Dot.
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu3AOHMEkaw
#
^ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMHS_Glenart_Castle
Long Nose Point
Balmain
10.3.18
Dear Norm,
Have just come home from church and as there is a mail out tomorrow thought I would drop you a short note for having been away from home once myself I know how letters from Sydney are ever welcome no matter how many. Oh how I did watch the postman go from house to house all the way down the street to he came to us when a Sydney mail was in and all the boys say the same. Young Charlie termed it mail day was Pay Day. On the other hand we too look forward to a mail as you know.
Well Norm we had a great man tonight Mr Hope from Christchurch and has a musical voice but rather inclined to be high. I daresay you will hear the home churches that way for mother says they have all more or less a tendency that way.
From all appearances we should have a very good choir at Easter for the rendering of "Olivet to Calvary". * see link below if you are interested in listening to it. Reg is back and Bob Roper is going to take the solo parts so it seems that it will almost make us think of old times. I cannot help thinking of the boys that have gone on choir practice night for what brings thoughts back to you more than the music. Just fancy you hearing "There is a green hill" so far away.
Mrs Hancock had about a dozen of us over to tea last Sunday week and it was lovely. When Jess and Bob R are together it needs no other to entertain the company. Bob Roper sang several times and Reg sang "When you come home".# It is just grand to have one of our boys back but it makes me feel very much for the mothers who have lost their sons. Joe is in hospital in Surrey by his letter this mail and I have written him to go and call on you so do hope he does.
I wrote to a nurse friend of mine to go and see you but I am very sorry to have to tell you she is believed to have gone down in the "Glenart Castle".^ She and I have been very old friends and wrote regularly to each other. Mother and I went out to her place last Sunday and while we were there they had a ring from the PO saying that a cable was there that she was missing. I still feel confident that she must have been picked up for surely the nurses would have been launched first. She was a lovely girl Norm and by all accounts of the boys she has nursed was loved by all and has been at the war nursing for three years and was due to come home on furlough in April next. She was one of the nurses sent to the British Govt by Australia. Sister Edith Blake is her name for fear you may hear of her.
Ada said to tell you that the picnic is on the 17th April and they have sent out a referendum and the yes votes are in a majority. You will hear more later on.
Mrs Llewellyn is getting a concert up for the 13th April to raise funds. There is a grand affair down the grove at present. Side show, merry go rounds, Razzle Dazzle Circus and Chocolate wheels etc and all around the grove are different Coloured Electric lights and look very well. Last night the water was very calm and from the boat it all had an appearance of the pictures we see of Venice and only wanted the Gondolas to complete the picture. There were thousands down there and the trams were packed. It is to last a fortnight from yesterday and a great part of the takings are for the balmain Hospital and Red cross. Balmain is coming on and is going to finish up with a Venetian Carnival given by all the different clubs. Well Norm will tell you more later on. Must close this time as I am pretty tired. Hoping you are OK and well in your new work.
Best of wishes from all at 99, from one of the crowd, Dot.
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu3AOHMEkaw
#
^ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMHS_Glenart_Castle
Thursday, 5 May 2016
oooh! a letter from future mother-in-law Caroline McLachlan
59 St George's Crescent
Drummoyne, Sydney NSW
Dear Mr Barwick
We were pleased to hear the Xmas surprise packett (sic) was a success. We were tired of giving fountain pens, hot water bottles etc only to hear months afterwards that the recipients had so many they either shared them round or left them at home. While the little envelope to be opened at some future date has been successful, and appreciated by the one we intended it for.
What an ideal way of spending Xmas Day. Fancy St Paul's, The Abbey, and St Martin's all in the same day; now you will understand what the Church service means to those who wander in peace times. To me the Church is the one link which binds me to the Homeland.
Katie received a welcome letter from Canon Low by the same mail as we received your letter; we hope you have the good fortune to find him at home whenever you visit Largs.
I suppose you have been round Hampshire Court and Bushy Park and enjoyed the view of Chestnut Avenue.
We are nicely settled at our new address and are getting used to St Bede's Church, but still occasionally go over to St John's. Of course grace had to give up her Sunday School Class.
Do you receive the Sydney papers? Little Kitty Elliot had her photo in last Sunday's "Sun"- we all went to see "Robinson Crusoe", but it was nice to see little Kitty Elliot, we are not strong on theatres.
Next Saturday, we expect to tea, Mrs Drake, Mrs Elliott, Kitty and all the girls from Grace's old Sunday School class. We hope it will be fine. We all send our kindest regard and shall be pleased to hear from you again.
I remain yours sincerely C. McLachlan
PS I find I make no mention of the two boys. Dugald has joined St Bede's Sunday school. Hector is too big now, so is content with regular church. he has commenced a Diploma course for Engineering at Tech Coll which tkes up 4 evenings and 1 afternoon every week, so he will have little time for anything else. They send love to you C McL
33 The January mail was sunk
Elsinore
March 2, 1918
My darling Norman,
Another letter. I suppose I will not have one from you next mail for I think .....(Indecipherable ship?) down. The January mail was sunk and I suppose all the others lost too. What a time we have had to wait for a line from our dear boys. I hope you have got all my letters before this. I have written one and sometimes 2 in a week. I didn't number all of them.
What is the number of the last one you received? Well my dear boy how are you getting on and how is your health? I hope you are keeping well. I know you like the cold weather better than the hot, but I expect it is a little bit too cold over there, but I don't think it has been so cold this winter as last winter. I never see anything in the paper about it being so cold, but you will be having nice weather now. Mr Cowell ? says he knows you will be delighted with the weather when the trees are all budding out in their green garb and lovely flowers everywhere. He knows you will be telling about it when you come back. I do wish you were coming now.
I see last night's paper young Whitehead is on his way home. I think they are keeping George Noble there; giving him something light to do. Mrs Noble wishes he was coming home.
Before I forget it Norman, I believe Mr Vale is going to begin work again, so he is getting on fine. He seems so happy. He thought he would never be able to work again. He asked the Doctor this week and he said he thought he could start work, at something light. He saw the Bosses over at the Island and they seemed very pleased and said they would give him something light to do.
Well Norman, I hope you wont forget the 5th of this month and I suppose that is the letter that has gone down - never mind (this will be her 67th birthday!). I will take the bill for the deed that is the worst of it. It is not safe to send anything, only a card or so by the mail. I hope you received the draft all right. I am anxious to know or there's a duplicate and have you got your parcels yet? I don't think it is worth sending them, but tell me when you are writing. You might save my map tin that the cake was in - I couldn't get a tin anywhere to put it in, only that one. Was it any good when you got it? and Illma's pudding - was it good? I hope they were alright.
Well Norman we are getting near Easter now, then end of this month Easter Sunday and April Fool's Day will be Easter Monday so I suppose I had better give your gift to the Church that day and I have one of those Tallit ? bags Mrs Manning gave me one and 2 shillings in it to buy something and make up and sell, then buy something more and so on, but I couldn't do it. I made a bag and Mrs Irwin bought it for 2/6, so I put that in and left the 2 S in so that makes 4/6 so I will put in 5/6 and that will make 10 S and that is all that I can do. I believe some of them have done well. Miss Ward has made over 5.0.0 (5 Pound) and Mrs Allen over 3.0.0. Of course they have a chance of selling what they make. They go out so much and I don't. We have to give them in this month. I believe the Sunday School has done very well out of the last sale of work 27.19.5. and the Rectory fund of 15.15.0 (pound.shilling.pence) and the other fund 5.0.0 so that was not too bad was it. I sent you one of the Parish Papers. I hope you got it all right. Well Norman, a word about ourselves. I think all are well. Claude (16yrs) has his holidays and our gift for .........and a free pass over the Railways. all right isn't it? He was to have come down here this week but has not arrived yet. Ilma and all hers are well, so are all their friends that I know of. I believe Ivy Wallace and Myrtle have been up to see fred in Queensland. He is getting on well but has a delicate wife, like Ally Connolly, his wife nearly always in the Hospital. I hope you got Clarry's address all safe.
I think Matty Elliot and Jack Story will soon be leaving now. Well I think I have given all the news now. In case ones sCribbles, the fleas are tormenting me. Now my dear darling son, goodnight and God bless you and keep you in the right way, with best love from your Dad and some from your ever loving and affectionate Mother XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
March 2, 1918
My darling Norman,
Another letter. I suppose I will not have one from you next mail for I think .....(Indecipherable ship?) down. The January mail was sunk and I suppose all the others lost too. What a time we have had to wait for a line from our dear boys. I hope you have got all my letters before this. I have written one and sometimes 2 in a week. I didn't number all of them.
What is the number of the last one you received? Well my dear boy how are you getting on and how is your health? I hope you are keeping well. I know you like the cold weather better than the hot, but I expect it is a little bit too cold over there, but I don't think it has been so cold this winter as last winter. I never see anything in the paper about it being so cold, but you will be having nice weather now. Mr Cowell ? says he knows you will be delighted with the weather when the trees are all budding out in their green garb and lovely flowers everywhere. He knows you will be telling about it when you come back. I do wish you were coming now.
I see last night's paper young Whitehead is on his way home. I think they are keeping George Noble there; giving him something light to do. Mrs Noble wishes he was coming home.
Before I forget it Norman, I believe Mr Vale is going to begin work again, so he is getting on fine. He seems so happy. He thought he would never be able to work again. He asked the Doctor this week and he said he thought he could start work, at something light. He saw the Bosses over at the Island and they seemed very pleased and said they would give him something light to do.
Well Norman, I hope you wont forget the 5th of this month and I suppose that is the letter that has gone down - never mind (this will be her 67th birthday!). I will take the bill for the deed that is the worst of it. It is not safe to send anything, only a card or so by the mail. I hope you received the draft all right. I am anxious to know or there's a duplicate and have you got your parcels yet? I don't think it is worth sending them, but tell me when you are writing. You might save my map tin that the cake was in - I couldn't get a tin anywhere to put it in, only that one. Was it any good when you got it? and Illma's pudding - was it good? I hope they were alright.
Well Norman we are getting near Easter now, then end of this month Easter Sunday and April Fool's Day will be Easter Monday so I suppose I had better give your gift to the Church that day and I have one of those Tallit ? bags Mrs Manning gave me one and 2 shillings in it to buy something and make up and sell, then buy something more and so on, but I couldn't do it. I made a bag and Mrs Irwin bought it for 2/6, so I put that in and left the 2 S in so that makes 4/6 so I will put in 5/6 and that will make 10 S and that is all that I can do. I believe some of them have done well. Miss Ward has made over 5.0.0 (5 Pound) and Mrs Allen over 3.0.0. Of course they have a chance of selling what they make. They go out so much and I don't. We have to give them in this month. I believe the Sunday School has done very well out of the last sale of work 27.19.5. and the Rectory fund of 15.15.0 (pound.shilling.pence) and the other fund 5.0.0 so that was not too bad was it. I sent you one of the Parish Papers. I hope you got it all right. Well Norman, a word about ourselves. I think all are well. Claude (16yrs) has his holidays and our gift for .........and a free pass over the Railways. all right isn't it? He was to have come down here this week but has not arrived yet. Ilma and all hers are well, so are all their friends that I know of. I believe Ivy Wallace and Myrtle have been up to see fred in Queensland. He is getting on well but has a delicate wife, like Ally Connolly, his wife nearly always in the Hospital. I hope you got Clarry's address all safe.
I think Matty Elliot and Jack Story will soon be leaving now. Well I think I have given all the news now. In case ones sCribbles, the fleas are tormenting me. Now my dear darling son, goodnight and God bless you and keep you in the right way, with best love from your Dad and some from your ever loving and affectionate Mother XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Editor apologizes for the tardiness of these posts
Dear interested reader,
I have no excuses for the time between posting these letters, other than life gets busy in other ways. I will endeavour to get a move on and complete this little project well before the centenary of the events mentioned.
I visited Balmain to explore and found Elsinore, unfortunately behind high walls, and was welcomed at the church next door. Here is a photo of the memorial for some of the lads mentioned in Norman's mother's letters.
Now back to work..
I have no excuses for the time between posting these letters, other than life gets busy in other ways. I will endeavour to get a move on and complete this little project well before the centenary of the events mentioned.
I visited Balmain to explore and found Elsinore, unfortunately behind high walls, and was welcomed at the church next door. Here is a photo of the memorial for some of the lads mentioned in Norman's mother's letters.
Now back to work..
A mate laid up in hospital with trench fever needs a few pounds
Pages 1& 3 missing, but it appears to be the letter before the one written on 25 Feb below......same paper and handwriting, in pencil...
2.
....would write you a line. This Trench Fever is a terrible complaint, it gets you mostly in the shins and knees and you get some awful headaches. But I am thankful to say that I am much better now, although I am far from being better. I reckon that I was lucky to get out of France when I did as there is a big stunt coming off shortly, they reckon that old Fritz has over three million men over in France now, he brought them over from the Russian front. Well Norm I was thinking if you could send a cable home to Mother asking her to send me five pounds if you could you would oblige me very much. But of course if it will be too much trouble you can write and let me know. You can just....
York Place Hospital
Lower YL section
War No 2
Brighton
England
25/2/1918
Dear Norm,
Just a line in answer to your very welcome letter which I received this morning. I was very glad to hear that you are keeping well. I am very pleased to say that I am much better now than when I arrived here a week ago. But my legs still ache a great deal and I am still in bed. I suppose I will get alright in time Norm, it is the fortunes of war and I suppose a man has got to make the best of it. Yes a man thinks he is back in Aussie again writing letters to his old cobbers.
Thankyou very much Norm for going to the trouble and getting my cable away. I hope that you have no trouble in getting the five pounds. Yes I will call in and see you when I get down to London. You ask me how am I off for money well to tell you the truth Norm I have not got a penny at present as I missed two pays in France, of course I have a few shillings in my pay book but I cannot get any of it. So I suppose I will have to go without any. Well Norm this is all for this time. Hoping to hear from you when you have time.
I am always your old pal, Alf L Voge
2.
....would write you a line. This Trench Fever is a terrible complaint, it gets you mostly in the shins and knees and you get some awful headaches. But I am thankful to say that I am much better now, although I am far from being better. I reckon that I was lucky to get out of France when I did as there is a big stunt coming off shortly, they reckon that old Fritz has over three million men over in France now, he brought them over from the Russian front. Well Norm I was thinking if you could send a cable home to Mother asking her to send me five pounds if you could you would oblige me very much. But of course if it will be too much trouble you can write and let me know. You can just....
York Place Hospital
Lower YL section
War No 2
Brighton
England
25/2/1918
Dear Norm,
Just a line in answer to your very welcome letter which I received this morning. I was very glad to hear that you are keeping well. I am very pleased to say that I am much better now than when I arrived here a week ago. But my legs still ache a great deal and I am still in bed. I suppose I will get alright in time Norm, it is the fortunes of war and I suppose a man has got to make the best of it. Yes a man thinks he is back in Aussie again writing letters to his old cobbers.
Thankyou very much Norm for going to the trouble and getting my cable away. I hope that you have no trouble in getting the five pounds. Yes I will call in and see you when I get down to London. You ask me how am I off for money well to tell you the truth Norm I have not got a penny at present as I missed two pays in France, of course I have a few shillings in my pay book but I cannot get any of it. So I suppose I will have to go without any. Well Norm this is all for this time. Hoping to hear from you when you have time.
I am always your old pal, Alf L Voge
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