Letters From New York
Monday 8th April 1968
Dear Mum,
Another Monday and another week closer to home. Just over 7 wks now until we set out and the wheels of organisation are beginning to turn. We had a man in today to appraise the furniture & effects which we’re going to be able to send home in two shipments – one which we hope to have leave here about the end of April (so as to be sure to be there when we arrive) of 1 ½ tons and the balance to be taken the day we leave as was the case in Sydney when we left. I’ve been able to get the U.N. to agree to us having Grace Brothers do the collection and delivery of both shipments at the other end so happy that good service will be provided. The removalists strike ended last week and we have at this end one of the best reputed firms in New York.
Your letter arrived on Saturday though I didn’t get to see it until quite late as I was out shopping most of the time and then had Joan out for a short spell after returning. We had perfect weather for the weekend but had a very busy day at home yesterday getting all the sundry odds and ends into some semblance of order to give the man a fair opportunity to appraise them when he came out this morning. We had a great throwout and Joan was physically exhausted by day’s end. There is no promise of any letup in the weeks to follow as we’ve scheduled a very busy period of outings, parties and simple visitations – and Easter, such as it is here, is upon us this coming weekend.
Have sent Joan to bed early this evening as she’s in the midst of a mysterious malady with headache, back and muscle pains and high fever and so am holding the fort. Have all the bairns down – or so I thought (Michael just tripped down the stairs to tell me I’d omitted to “tuck him in”). That rectified, I’m all alone with my thoughts. We've started the series of injections – last Tuesday actually – all except Jenny that is who proceeded to bring up all over the doctor’s waiting room as we were preparing for the fray. She, showing signs of a throat infection, was deferred. It cleared up in a day or two (perhaps we caught it early) and Helen’s had a chesty, loose sort of cough for a week but no one’s shown any signs of reaction to the smallpox – wonder could Joan’s trouble be a delayed one? Myself, feeling fit and fine even if a little concerned at the general lack of response at home to the proffering of my “unbeatable” and versatile talents, experience & services.
You’ll have heard of the shocking assassination of Dr Martin Luther King and of the aftermath of violence and rioting that has followed all over the States. Thanks be to God New York has been relatively quiet with only a few isolated and easily brought down disturbances but the worst is not over yet as the funeral is to be held tomorrow in Atlanta Georgia. The whole thing has had constant press, radio and T.V. coverage (I sometimes really wonder whether that’s a good thing) and the repetitiveness of the whole thing is beginning to pall to someone only really half aware of the background and the possible consequences – if you like, somewhat indifferent to the situation. I’m hopeful, however, that rather than it being the spark to racial militancy and violent pressure ere it will be a sobering experience when all the passion of immediate shock has died down. The scenes of fire, looting and police & national guard actions to halt riotous action has been sickening and one marvels at the job the authorities in New York have done to keep the situation quite under control so far.
On the brighter side, both Cathy and Anthony were guests at birthday parties at the weekend and all four are now preparing for visits to Museums, Libraries, Zoo & Botanical Gardens and for Michael into the “countryside” next week to a real farm. Jenny’s become the perfect little miss – almost completely potty trained – such a magger and so marvellously (to me) like you. She has, I think, your sparkling eyes, a feature which I have always found fascinating in you. Phillip’s still much in the doghouse as he’s going through a frustrated stage in measuring his own freedoms and “advantages” against those of his more “incorrigible” and advantaged playmates. So impressionable & easily led but, like a repentant little puppy dog, so lovable even in his misery.
I obviously write better (or more!) when alone to think and haven’t room to leave any space for Joan. All the schools are closed tomorrow for the King funeral service and many state offices closed until lunch time. Many famous people will be attending the ceremony which will have national coverage on radio & T.V. There is much talk of “appeasement” by the legislative passing of many civil rights bills that have been hamstrung in the governments of the land but, sceptical as I am, I wonder will things be very much different when emotion gives way to reality.
Don’t think there’s much point in importing any T.V. shows from here with us. You seem to have most of ours and they’re all a pretty bad lot. The weather here is becoming quite warm and there’s definitely a Spring atmosphere about – so glad Autumn has put in its appearance to provide some relief from your long hot summer. More next week.
Fond love & best wishes,
Bill