the huns advance seems to have arrested and his ranks depleted.....

Lincoln Rd,

Campsie

20.5.18

Dear Old Norm,

Well, how goes it Norm. We hope you are in the best of health, and if you are we know you are just the same old stick as ever. You are, no doubt, in the England summer know. The news from the front does not read too good over here, there has been a stern tussle alright, but the huns advance seems to have arrested and his ranks depleted. You are first hand, however, and know the situation, and what you want is news from here.

We are still at the Bungalow as you note the lawns looking beautiful, yours especially – with a gorgeous showing of Chrysanthemums (is that right) and Roses. It’s some work, however, keeping the ranch in order. Dode is at present sitting on the rug in front of our gas fire in the Drawing room- you know the spot, reading the ‘Lone Star Ranger” – not a word. She has just finished a month on the organ at St John’s. Mrs King has been away to Tasmania and Dode has been the boss of the organ. She manages very well, although to me that says it. She’s always talking about “old Norm. I often say well  ”Why didn’t you marry the man”. Anyhow she’s just the same old stick and joins with me in our regard for our old Cobber. 

The picnic has come out fine. I helper young Orr as much as I was able to. He came to the shop a couple of times and I went through the procedure, but I was unable to get down to the Picnic. We have been exceedingly busy and I have not known whether I was on hands or feet at times. However, everything turned out alright – a fine day and a fairly good crowd. Of course my beloved wife was there as usual, but she says it was because I was not there but, she says it was fun and there you have it in a nutshell.

What do you think of Bobbie Adcock pooling in for the Church Wardenship again. It was very funny, although everybody does not know it. I was down at Gardiners and asked Bob if he was going to the Vestry Meeting – (he lives at Drummoyne now) Oh, I don’t think says our friend Robert. Well, I says you might come over and keep me company (we were staying in Balmain while Dode was at the organ) Anyhow he said he would come and was to wait for me, - but “me” did not arrive til 9,30 and in the meantime they had pooled Bob into the Wardenship! Of course he didn’t go ‘lemonice’ (Australian). Anyhow he’s hot and strong on the Tea Meeting.

Norm, I want to thank you for that book of views at Douglas. They were very interesting and kind of you to think of me.

I often have a talk with your Ma and Dad. They are looking well. Your Mother and mine are quite old pals as you know.

I spoke to old “Cakey” in town today. He’s just the same old stick. We are at present starting a fortnight’s holiday, later than usual, and we are going to Katoomba for a while, to the caves I hope and then down South Coast to Gerringong. 

Will write later. Best regards, Norm old boy and sincere wishes for your welfare, from your old Cobbers, Dode and Doug xxx

PS. C.G. [Charlie Gooude] is just the same as ever. He went off for a while but has picked up again now. Harry Allen is back at Sunday School – quite like old times.