Letters From New York
6th March 1967
Dear Mum,
Your letter arrived a day early (on Thursday) despite the problems at the G.P.O. and, as usual, it was very good to hear from you. We’ve missed on two or three letters from Fivedock somewhere along the line it seems but yours have been coming through normally. It appears, too, that none of ours have gone astray at all. Most important of all the two parcels expected from you and from Fivedock arrived safe and sound on Friday and were received with great enthusiasm by all and sundry. The sweets and biscuits were “tops” of course and the bracelet very sweet. The kiddies loved the books and Catherine was very impressed with her gift. My two will be very handy also! Speaking of gifts, we’ve posted yours off (on Friday) for your birthday and, assuming it will beat this letter to you, hope you find the “unmentionable” fits OK (and to your liking) and that you’ll be able to make good use of the writing instrument. Your letters are so welcome that we’d hate to be without one simply by reason of your having no biro.
Your news of Vincent was something of a shock, but then he’s been full of those and I guess he’s just running true to form. Surely he doesn’t believe he can beat his responsibilities “going bush” (or is he fired by the inspiration of our journey into space?) – there just seems to be no limit to the irrational actions he can dream up at the slightest provocation. I’ll look forward to hearing from him – perhaps he’ll honour the pledge to write – if only to gauge how his mind’s working and to learn all about the post. Do you know very much about it? If so, you’d best fill me in!! I take it you’ve not anything more of her ladyship but, never fear, she’ll seek you out when its necessary.
It’s been wet in Sydney and we’re getting it rather wet here too. Saturday was cool and dull and there was snow overnight. We woke to a beautiful covering (and I got a few good snapshots of snow-laden trees) but it was soon washed away by rain which commenced early Sunday morning and has got progressively heavier since. The temperatures are on the up and up now and we’re hopeful that the worst of winter is over. Saturday was our day with Jenny to the specialist and, in some respects, the report wasn’t as perfect as we’d hoped. He says that the cardiac tests showed up perfectly, there being no abnormal pulse rate and the X-ray showed the heart to be no longer enlarged. However, there is, he says, a long dark (abnormal) line over the heart which he cannot explain and would seem to suggest abnormal location of one of the valves. Only surgery, which he strongly suggested is not necessary at this stage, would give them the answer and, with our approval he’s quite prepared to let nature take its course. He (as we are) is perfectly happy with her progress and seemed surprised that she’s been walking so long (and, indeed, she’s now beginning to catch on to certain words). All in all everything seems fine, but the real disappointment to us is that the cloud of doubt hasn’t been lifted and thrown away. As mere parents – and comparing her with the others – we think she’s perfect!!
A slightly hectic week again for the Dwyers as on Tuesday night we had an impromptu, short but very pleasant visit from Francis Wong and his sister Mae Ling (Beautiful spirit in Chinese) on her way back to her dentist husband in London after a three months visit to Australia. Our collection at the U.N. for the Tasmanian Bush Fire Relief Fund realized $531 (from only sixty four Australians) a we were able to present a cheque to Dame Mabel Miller, Hobart’s deputy lord mayor, in person as she was in New York for a conference en route to London for her investiture by the Queen. She then invited a number of us who figured prominently in the organisation process to luncheon on Wednesday and it was quite a pleasant experience – revealing her as a delightful person. By the way, there will probably be some mention of the collection and the presentation in the press at home!
Anthony's confirmation. 11 March 1967.
Had a visit myself to the doctor on Thursday morning with a troublesome mouth infection and a sore throat which had me feeling poorly. It was just a normal winter virus he said & settled them with some tablets. Friday saw me rather better and I was sprightly enough to get out to the U.N. Staff Day Concert in the afternoon (a half holiday for the staff) and to go with Joan and all our Australian friends to the Staff Day dance (at the U.N.) in the evening. We organised a very pleasant table and had quite a marvellous time. The two functions gave us the opportunity of seeing some very good and quite famous artists, e.g. Roskopovich – a Russian cellist – and Tony Bennett. Saturday and Sunday were rather quiet though we had a night out last night (leaving Anthony to mind the children) for dinner at the Travis’ and another “meeting” of the Australian clan. On Wednesday night, we’re hosts – having a few people in for dinner again. When next I write it will be with the news of Anthony’s big day so, if you can spare a few minutes for a Hail Mary on 11th, please do so! Will leave the back for Joan as usual.
Love to all,
Bill
You’d be in your element here! Brigadoon on T.V. now with Going My Way to follow.
Lots of love.
Dear Mum,
It is now Tuesday morning 7.30AM. It is still raining and quite heavily too. I may get a chance to catch up on the ironing. The gifts you and Margaret sent over are very nice. The children were very excited when the two big parcels arrived on the same day. I myself enjoyed the Minties (we can not get anything like a Mintie here). Jenny loved the Smarties too. She calls them wol wols. Hope everything goes well for Vince in his new job. Bill is waiting to take this to work Mum.
God bless. All our love,
Joan