Letters From New York
“Our Place”
23rd January, 1967
Dear Mum,
Monday again – the weeks are getting away aren’t they – and I’m settling down rather late to pen this as I’ve been in charge of the “nursery” with Joan minding the Bartels girls. Greg and Jill are having a night out at a Symphony Concert with our friends the Tolhursts and Joan has the coloured T.V. at her disposal for the night. My charges have been very good, but I hear the melodious strains of Jenny’s voice from upstairs so will have to attend to her – excuse me …
Back again, with everything quiet and still – at least temporarily – and so on with the news. Again there isn’t a great deal of it and I sometimes feel now that it’s all been said before – indeed, we’re writing so many letters that it’s difficult to recall who’s been told what. Your Friday letter arrived on schedule last week, too early, of course for your comments on the tape and the slides. No doubt this week’s epistle will be full of that. They evidently went over well at No. 54 as Peter wrote to us almost immediately he’d received them and Mum followed with her comments. They were lovely; real tear-jerkers etc etc – on Friday. We’ve been awaiting Bern’s letter – though being up at Panania she may not have seen them until after you – I think she was scheduled to return last Wednesday.
Thought you’d be concerned with the news of the fire – indeed there has been a spate of them across the country – but glad your fears were soon allayed. No doubt my last letter would have helped in that regard too. We’ve been hearing of the heat you’ve been experiencing down under and, generally, we’re bathing in most unseasonable and very pleasant winter weather. The long, cold, talked about Winter hasn’t materialised yet – I guess there’s still plenty of time for it to do so – and we’ve been bathing in temperatures of 50° plus (with a 60 odd registered today). We did, however, record our lowest temperature on Wednesday – down to 14° – and had a slight snowfall on Thursday, but this was exceptional. Might add that towards the north, one city had a recording 52° BELOW Zero – how’s that eh!!
Like you, a little surprised by the news of Vince’s divorce but not at all surprised by Mary’s response. Whilst one would agree that he should be made subscribe to the children’s welfare one would be happier knowing that the money was being put to its intended use and not merely to supplement her ladyship’s existence. Can’t imagine what twist of egotism made her think we’d be concerned about her discarding the Dwyer name but isn’t it typical of the spiteful bitch (and I use that word in preference to a lot more detrimental ones I’m thinking) to write to you. I’m rather afraid that if I ever come into contact with her I couldn’t resist the temptation to give her what for. As Joan said it’s just like her to be the gracious one and present the children to you at Xmas and, in the next breath, turn around with such an unnecessary approach as that.
Thanks for the thoughts with the newspapers – late as they may sometimes be they are always very welcome. We had a dearth of them whilst the Qantas strike was on but they’re beginning to flow through reasonably consistently once more (today I had the 17th “Telegraph” & 18th “Australian” passed on to me. See Arthur Caldwell has gained adverse publicity again – the S.O.B – and note with amused interest the further incursions by the strangest of people into the Opera House controversy. You know it’s almost as famous over here as an Australian Symbol as the Kangaroo. Noted your remark about having me there to drive you to Church – would love to oblige and will have to see to it REGULARLY when we return. Speaking of cars, can’t recall whether you’ve said Vince still has his. Indeed, we haven’t had a great deal of his recent doings. Has he still got the same job and has he heard any further news of motor vehicle compensation case?
Haven’t had a very busy week, socially, but have some interesting outings coming up shortly. Two luncheons this week then an outing with Greg, Jim Tolhurst and Richard Roberts to an indoors Athletics meeting at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night. Ron Clarke and two other Australian runners will be appearing there. On Saturday Joan and I are going to Manhattan to a party which our Australian-Chinese friend (Francis Wong) is giving. On 4th February (our wedding anniversary) I’m taking Joan to see Hello Dolly, starring GINGER ROGERS and on 8th we’re off to see our first Opera at the City Opera House. Am toying with the idea of buying Joan a mobile washing machine for our Anniversary but space is a real problem and my salesman friend has shown some inclination to talk me out of it – as a not too good buy. Even so, I’m very tempted as it will be a big boon to Joan.
Speaking of her, I’ll leave the back for her again. Everyone is quite well and in good spirits. Jenny has cut another tooth – six now – but still isn’t walking. The kids are wonderfully well – sure the slides will bear that statement out & are thriving.
Fond love & best wishes Bill xxxxxxxxx
Dear Mum, Bill just brought this over to me so I could scribble on the back. I am having a very quiet evening here at the Bartel’s house. The colour T.V. is lovely. I have been watching “Peyton Place” in colour and thinking of you. Do you still watch it? Can’t tell you much about it as I only see it now and then. I’m pleased her ladyship is no longer a Dwyer we never were proud of her. Bill is doing very well with the driving and it is just wonderful to be driven around in our own car. I am looking forward to driving it myself one day. God bless
Love Joan xxxxxxx