64 Rutland Road.
Thursday 10th March (1964).
My dear Paul.
I saw your letter which arrived today. Yesterday was Moomba holiday, and I am delighted to know that you have secured a position to your liking. I pray for your welfare every day, and among other things, that God will give you great skill in your treatment of the sick.
As you are in a nice country area, you will soon make plenty of friends, and as both of you are good mixers and have all the social know-how, life at Nambour should be very pleasant for you. I have an idea that Alwyn called there once when he was an inspector.
I understand that the winter season in Q’Land can be very pleasant. Alwyn said that in some parts he never saw a man with his coat on in the winter. We have fared rather well here during the summer, (with) many evenings in Feb(ruary) being cold enough to warrant a fire.
I am keeping tolerably well though I get a few reminders during the day that I am not quite 100%. When I go on trek around the City after sitting down for some time, particularly after eating I get the dull ache which is speedily removed by the nitro pills. However I am very thankful to God to be as well as I am. I realise how fortunate I am to have (had) a long life with(out) any pain or ache of any kind, excellent eyesight, perfect hearing – not even a corn.
I go my account from Dr JJJ the other day and I was surprised that he added 5 shillings for (the) prescription. I had run low in the nitro pills and also the green heart pills. I adopted what I thought was the most common sense plan: I sent him a self-addressed envelope naming my requirements. I thought it was a bit lousy: he is well established and is doing very well, and it would have been ridiculous of me to call on him professionally to get a prescription.
I sent a copy of the paper to the Rev. Father FitzGibon SJ at Brighton Beach. Two days afterwards when I was composing a letter to him, telling all that I knew about the wedding and Bernadette, he rang here on the phone (your mother was at the pictures) and we had a long yarn. He invited me down to see him as “Kostoka” (sic) Hall. He gave you full marks for being a good boy.
A few days ago I ran into Rev. Fr Moloney SJ. He is an evergreen. He could not remember you. He told me that he is 83 and has been at St Patricks for 45 years.
Jack Haraldson is still cogitating about his hiatus hernia. Some time ago he said to me: “ask Paul if he can recommend a surgeon.” I forgot, and afterwards asked JJJ. He said Mr Connaughton did a few satisfactory jobs for him. However I told Jack H that YOU recommended this gentleman. I think he is worried about the cost as his own Dr Ramsay in Station St said it might cost $100 - $150 (pounds). Have you any particular friend here that you know?
Bob Weedon’s Father told me that the former will soon sail for Africa – Tanyanika, to do medical missionary work. I think it is a noble idea.
We are having a mission here; the Franciscans are in charge – Fr Kelly O’Megra(?).
What a great race the Irish and their descendant are ! Their empire is an enormous one. It is growing and unlike other empires will endure because they go to remote parts of the world to succour and help mainly through the pulpit and in medicine and law-making and enforcing.
Poor Dr Henry has been in a bit of strife and was mulched of a few pounds by the magistrate.
Your Mother is at the Mission. Neither (of us) went last night. I will go to the 6am Mass and attend on Friday’s . . . . . .evening.
You will miss all the thrills of the football season. However I will keep you posted as to how the teams are faring when the season starts.
I cannot think of any more news at present Paul. I hope to hear that you and Bernadette will be very happy up there. And as for yourself there may come a time when you are in a quandary in relation to a particular ailment – ask Our Lady of P(erpetual) S(uccour) to help. You will never be turned away. I have been assisted times without number, particularly these last few years.
This letter is naturally mainly intended for you, but I wish to convey my fond love to Bernadette. God bless her ! She is a lovely girl.
Adios for the present, and may God bless and prosper (you) both.
Dad.
**********
At Work !!!
Box Hill 16/03/1964.
Dear Paul.
A few lines hoping that you are successfully coping with thing in general. I am as well as can be expected. I only seem to feel a little distressed when moving about soon after a meal, particularly after having liquid with a meal. I have tested that by having a dry lunch. However any discomfort that I feel is soon dispelled by the nitro-pills.
I went to the procession on Saturday last. I think more than ever marched. The cynics used to say – perhaps they hoped – that it would die out after the great Dr Mannix RIP expired . Your College led the procession, and they had a great number plus a very big bugle-and-drum band. I am making the mission in the morning only and I pray for your spiritual and temporal welfare. Best wishes now to yourself and Bernadette. God bless you both. A welcome letter was received on Saturday.
Dad.
The RACV pamphlet I sent was hanging around the office.
**********
Box Hill
Wednesday 18th (March 1964).
My dear Paul.
Your mother has just left to go to “GTV” studio. She is to appear on (Graham Kennedy’s) show In Melbourne Tonight. It seems she has to spin a win and a prize is forthcoming. Jack Haroldson tells me that one prize is a bank account for $500 (pounds) or a motor car etc.
I hope that you have sent her a message for her birthday tomorrow.
What a surprise to hear that Mr Calwell was honoured by Paul Paul (sic – Pope Paul VI). I think the Italian Govt per their local Ambassador was responsible. Certainly none of the Australian Hierarchy would have done so. He can speak Italian and he has many of them in North Melbourne.
I am pleased that you like your locality and now, with the advent of oil, Queensland should go ahead. I think their chief drawback up there is the lack of industrial undertakings.
The Mission will conclude this week. I have not gone in the evening. I make the effort and go to Mass and HC (Holy Communion) at 6am. I pray for you and Bernadette every day that you will be given great skill, and that you will be happy together.
I read the other day of a birth in England (?) wherein the child was heard to cry before it was born.
Alwyn (Patricia’s older brother) must be on the move. I notice that all his clothes were having an airing and now all the cases and packages have gone.
Very hot here this last few days and bush fires are still prevalent. By all I hear the winters in Q’Land are delightful (with) most of the rain coming in the summer.
Your Aunt, Sister Lourdes , was in Q’Land at the turn of the century. 1905 approx. She was teaching at Alpha, well out from Rockhampton; the tropics adversely affected her, and she died comparatively young. She was finished as HSAD (?) teacher at Newport.
There is nothing further I can think of in the way of news, so I will conclude with fond love to you and Bernadette.
Hoping that God will bless you both abundantly.
Dad.
**********
64 Rutland Rd
April 15th 1964.
My dear Paul.
Your very welcome letter received and many thanks for the authority. It will save me the trouble or rather annoyance of writing to Dr JJJ.
I hope that you can restore your housing problem satisfactorily. Your trouble, no doubt, is that your choice will be limited on account of the size of the town. From Bernadette’s point of view the kitchen is all important as so much of the work is done there.
By invitation I called upon Rev. Fr. Fitzgibbon SJ on Sunday afternoon last at Brighton Beach. He showed me over the college – a beautiful property of about 6 acres. The wet cupboard was a revelation. He pressed me to have some whisky but I settled for some wine that was already open – he is a non-drinker. He was very enthusiastic about you, extolling your many virtues and said he will pray for you in his Mass. They have about 300 boys and a waiting-list a mile-long. It is a prep-school for Xavier. He asked me if Bernadette was kin to their Rev. Fr Keenan, but I could not tell him. I told him that we were delighted with her and added that we could not have made a more suitable choice had we been entrusted with the task.
I am on leave at present, and in consequence I am able to go to Mass every morning which I offer for the welfare of you and Bernadette. I am going to Golden Square (Bendigo) on Saturday next for a week – they wanted me to go for the three weeks but that is too long. I will be nice and quiet up there and withal I am very welcome. Pat Holden, my friend, is crippled with arthritis and he is very glad to have someone to talk to.
I don’t know if you knew Mr Bert Layh. His father was killed at the WH (Whitehorse) Road corner when going to the Post Office. He was (an) accountant for Broadheads Hardware and was a Lt. Colonel with several distinctions. It was a sad ending to a man who had successfully withstood the hazards of war. He was 79. His son Bert is a convert. The old fellow must have been active because he was killed about 6.30am.
I am keeping very well thank God. I have not used my “Anginine” this week. Normally I use about 5 or 6 a day. They seem to be needed after a period of inactivity: eg, in the morning I can just get down to the Church without their aid, but I have to sit down for a while, but I can come home quite all right. Now when I am going to work I take one a few minutes before leaving the house, otherwise I would be distressed before reaching the station. Likewise I do the same before alighting at Flinders St. I have notice that I am always affected soon after eating. When I am in the office I am all right. But soon after going out to the GPO or the bank I feel it. I am carrying only a small suitcase – total weight about a few pounds. I can see now that inactivity seems to be the only “remedy”. I am only going into these details as they may be of some use to you. I feel quite sure that I only had a mild attack, and as I told you before, I was consistently relieved when I read the book “Your Heart and You” by Dr Brams. I can confirm all he has said.
The weather is rather nice for some days and it is warm outside, though I find it cold in the house. I have not much control over the pen as my hands are cold. Your mother has gone to Melbourne and it is now around 10.30.
I hope the enclosed will be profitable to you (a Tatts ticket). I will send you a result when published.
I will close now with fond love to both, praying that God will bless you.
Dad.
**********
Box Hill
April 7th 1964.
My dear Paul.
Here’s hoping that you and dear Bernadette are quite well and that you have combated the mosquito nuisance.
I have lived in several places where they were prevalent, particularly in the north-east, and I know how it feels.
We have had an extraordinary sequence of hot days, yesterday going as high as 89F. However a change came on today and typical Melbourne rain commenced about 10am and has continued more or less all day, but I don’t think the sum total of rain amounts to very much. I notice by the thermometer that the reading was down to 56F.
I am going to call on an old mentor of yours – Rev. Fr. FitzGibbon SJ on Sunday next. I do not take up the collection at 5pm since suffering a set-back. I think I gave very good service, as I had to sacrifice every Sunday for about 5 years.
I suppose your mother has written earlier in the week. I gave her the result of Tatts 1473. If you have not received it let me know and I will forward another one.
I am keeping quite well but I get a few reminders every day that my heart is still with me. I take about 5 pills per day and as the prescription is only for 100 they do not last very long – evidently this is the limit. I saw Dr Johnston at Mass last week, and he asked me if I got his ‘script. Yes, I got it all right about 4 days after lodgement. He said he would authorise a repeat next time. Is it possible for you to give me an authority? The dispenser at the U.F.S. was good enough to give your Mother a bottle in anticipation – of course he knows me very well.
I had a good rest over Easter and I did not go to the Carlton Cemetery to take part in the annual commemorations for the Irish Patriots of Easter week. It was the first time I had missed since leaving the Rlys (Railways?). The Father of McSwiney (one of them) happens to be buried in the Melbourne General (Cemetery).
The strike of sorters has disrupted the mails but on enquiry I found that the mail from Vic(toria) is sent direct to Queensland.
I was suspicious that you were getting such a raw deal from the butchers. I fully expected that you would get superb meat as Q’Land is pre-eminent (or was) in the beef industry. Have you taken up tennis at all; you performed rather well here, and it is a nice relaxation.
Most Rev Simmonds has gone to the Mercy about his eye. Eddie Date said he was speaking to his Grace lately and he told him that he could hardly see for years.
I saw Mrs Payne Snr a few days ago. She was asking after you and was please to hear that you have successfully embarked on your career.
Football commences on Saturday week, and I will see that the Globe is sent along so that you can keep in touch with the game. I haven’t seen Roland for weeks, and I suppose he is too busy managing Brockhoffs’.
There are several nice displays in Melb to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the birth of Shakespeare. I’m of the opinion he was their greatest layman. As Ben Jonson says, “He was not of an age. He was for all time.”
The enclosed (item) is from today’s “Sun”. It will be a very expensive and elaborate structure.
Reverting to those pills, Paul. Dr Johnston made out the requisition on his own bill-heads in duplicate. I notice that the bottle I got this time is put up by the manufacturers Burroughs Welcome and are called “Anginine” with a notice to the effect that in Q’Land a . . . . prescription is necessary. But do not worry. No doubt he has many others similarly placed on his list, and from my point of view, I think it is silly for me to call on him professionally when I am quite well.
I don’t know of any more news, Paul, so I will conclude with fond love and that God may bless you and dear Bernadette.
Dad.
**********
At 1 Burn St
Golden Square
20-4-1964.
My dear Paul.
I came up here on Saturday last and will stay here till the end of the week. I feel very well indeed and have not had a pain. I forgot to take the “green” pills 3 times a day, but don’t seem to miss them though I will resume taking them.
Pat Holden, with whom I am living, needs an injection twice weekly and the Sister who has called here to do the job trained at Nambour: Mrs Gannaway. She married a soldier, whom she missed, as did sixteen other nurses up there. Her name was O’Mullane and her father lives about 30 miles from Nambour, but as he has remarried it seems she does not visit him as often as formerly. She gave the place full marks and said that it was a beautiful place.
The football season got off to a great start on Saturday. Footscray, by virtue of its good margin win, is on top, however as in former years the forward line is not so hot. Golden Square played at home. The ground is a few yards from here and the takings were about $200 (pounds). They had a four goal win.
Do you know Dr R Lippett? He is back from the Antarctic and has had parts of his right hand . . . . .
The rest of the letter is missing.
**********
At 1 Burn St
Golden Square
28-04-1964.
My dear Paul.
I am still up here though my intention was to return to B. H. today.
I was persuaded against my will because Pat Holden likes my company. He cannot leave the house and no-one ever comes to visit him, a fact that his wife – a member of the brethren – is not slow to take notice of.
I am going back on Wednesday next. I wrote your mother to that effect.
I got a letter from her saying to stop to Saturday but I won’t do that.
She told me that you would probably leave there in June with the possibility of your trekking as far as Cairns. That seems a pity when you have just settled down. My opinion was that they took you in, perhaps for income tax-purposes, because when they get into a high income bracket it would be advisable to have another (doctor) otherwise they would be working only for Bob Menzies. Well, I can only pray for you that God will direct you as to the best course to take.
The Sister whom I told you of called here again today to give Pat an injection. I understand it helps him in the passing of water. He gets it twice a week.
She told me that she boarded at Nambour and . . . . . many of her family are still around the district. As I told you the father got married again to a woman he was over-fond of – O’Mullane is his name, and he lives on the land at TEWANTIN about 30 miles away. I told you that I would send the Globe. Well, for some unknown reason (it) did not come on Saturday. But I will send you yesterday’s Age which will keep you up to date with the football. It will be a link with Victoria. There wasn’t a good match at all on Saturday. St Kilda very easily beat Footscray. Likewise Geelong v Collingwood. I think all the profits went to the soldiers.
Fortunately the weather kept fine for those who were marching (in the Anzac parade). There was a demonstration in Bendigo. I went to mass here and offered it mainly for many of my school companions who lost their lives (in WW1).
I am keeping well enough and have not needed a great many pills. Early in the morning seems to be the worst; even stooping down doing up my shoes seems to me make pant a bit, but when I get on the move I am all right.
I am eating much more here than at home, but I will slow down when I return. They have about six meals a day here, 3 of them hot meals plus morning, afternoon tea plus supper – the last three I have discarded.
I met a man ex (railway) guard who was in the caravan park for a few days. He has just returned with his wife from a 6 month trip. They were at Nambour and liked it very much.
I do hope you get something suitable Paul. I would not worry but you have to look after dear Bernadette now. The winter up north I understand is delightful but the summer is not so nice.
I don’t know of any more news, so I will conclude with fond love to yourself and Bernadette, and I pray for you every day that God will bless you.
Dad.
**********
Box Hill
May 1964.
My dear Paul.
I have returned here after my sojourn at Golden Square. Your mother wrote and gave(?) a bald statement as to what was happening up there.
I did not know what to think, and I am worried to think that you would have to go on trek so soon. When I saw your letter on returning, I was most relieved and I must say that I am delighted to see how magnaminious you are over the business seeing that you have a contract for 6 months. It would be horrible to act the Shylock. I hope that Dr Pratt recognises your generosity by providing you with a suitable letter, setting out the reason for your departure.
I am quite well thank God. I notice that I have taken more nitro-pills since returning. I seem to feel it on getting up and after a meal if gel(?) on the march. I received a 5 shilling bill today for a prescription and there be another one next sending-out day. HS could have saved me all that by authorising 2 repeats, but I have enough scripts on hand for a few months. I am surprised at Dr J., as I sent on each occasion a reply-paid envelope.
I was going to him in May but I will postpone it now.
We are minding Margaret’s dog. I think he is an Alsatian. He seems well-enough behaved, but he smells like a – you know what -.
I am wondering if you purchased the TV set. You will have little room in the car when you get on the move. I note that Singers of sewing machine fame go in for TVs now, and they will not sell; they only hire over 5 years. They claim the cost is only 19/7 per week.
I am wondering if that chemist friend of yours has his own business because we could do with a dispenser at Box Hill. The pay (is) $37 ½ (pounds) a week. The manager Mr Scholten is a most delightful fellow. Miss Mellor opposite here wants to leave and gave notice last Dec(ember). She is getting a bit old and withal has plenty of money.
I had a day in town today and called to see some old friends at North Melbourne opposite the market. They have had an iron and tinsmith factory for 70 years. Their grand-niece from Wangaratta (Robinson) started recently at Genezzano. I suppose Bernadette’s sister would (know) her. This girl’s grandmother and I were school companions long ago. I met the latter at her Brother’s funeral a few years ago for the first time in 50 years. She reminded me that I once had beautiful black curly hair when she last saw me. It is only a woman who could think of such a thing!
Footscray got a doing at St Kilda. Jack Norris – you may know him. He is an old Footscrayite and he works at Olympic tyres Co(mpany) at Footscray west. (He) said they are not satisfied with Jack Collins as Sec(retary of the Bulldogs), but it is common for supporters of all teams that are not doing well to blame someone. In the first match against Richmond they should have won by 20 goals; there was little opposition on the backline but they could not pass Hayden who in other years ha(s) played forward and a good one too. At present it seems that Geelong are likely premiers again.
I hope that the Doctors’ dilemma showed up early enough to save you any expense regarding the house that you were thinking of taking. I do hope that you are spared the necessity of going as far north as Cairns. I know how far away it is. Brisbane is only ½ way from here. But by all accounts the winter is enjoyable.
Many are wondering why you went so far away. I suppose you have a few critics too. My answer to them is: that it is a matter entirely for yourselves to decide. You are not a child now and no-one has the right to dictate what you should do with your lives. I am glad to know that you are enjoying the surf. It is a surprise to me to know that you could swim.
I recommence work on Monday next. It seems months since I left off. I like it very much in there.
Brian Roet said this will be his last year with Melbourne (Demons). He tells us he is going abroad to England for a holiday. The papers say he is 24. He graduated I think in 1962.
Barry Woods your 2nd cousin is going strong and hopes to graduate in law at the end of the year. He is doing the course the hard-way – part-time.
I am sending a few cuttings from the various papers. One may be of interest to you. It concerns a squabble over a Tatts prize in which some nurses think they have been defrauded. The Rev Mother Rechess will not be pleased at the uncalled for publicity.
I will let you know when I hear if Peter McCartein(?) is to be ordained this year. He must (have been) at the monastery for about 8 years now. Don’t fail to send him a card or a letter. He was a very likeable young fellow.
I have no more news of note Paul. But I cannot close without imploring you to ask the intercession of our Lady of P(erpetual) S(uccour) for your future. She never fails. I have had many favours through her, and so has everyone else who puts their trust in her.
Best wishes and fond love to you and dear Bernadette and I hope that God will bless (you) both abundantly.
Dad.
PS, I am sending a few result slips. I don’t know if either (is) right. Please let me know.
**********
Box Hill.
23/05/1964.
My dear Paul.
Your always welcome letter came during the week, and I was glad to read that you are enjoying the life up there (in Qld).
The weather here has been delightful for autumn, many days reaching as high as 70f.
I hope and pray that you get a position to your liking, but no(t) so far away as Cairns district. It will be nice there probably during the winter, but the summer may not be to your liking !
I heard today of more vandalism at the Church (St Francis Xavier’s). A new Stain Glass window was broken and the baptismal font was broken into and the sacred oil removed.
The dispensary got a new chemist – a young married woman of 25 – a Mrs Dunne from Kew @ $38 (pounds) per week. There was much to do about an American woman singer who blew into Melbourne last week. I am sending cutting which will tell you all about her antics. She would appear to have been under drink or drug influence (Judy Garland?)
I hope you missed that stormy weather that swept parts of Q’Land last week. But by the account in the paper, it seemed to be centred further north.
I am keeping well enough. I notice that the pain comes on after inactivity – ie, after sitting down, or getting up in the morning and stooping down to tie my shoes. I find it necessary to put a pill in the mouth a few minutes before leaving the house, otherwise I could not get up to the station without stopping. The same procedure before leaving the train at Flinders St. I am sitting down in the office til about 9.45 (am) when I have to go to the GPO for the m(onthly) cheque and again I have to put one under the tongue. When I stop it stops. The consequence is that I may use up to 8 pills a day. Otherwise I am quite all right. Thanks for that N.H.S. script, but the WFS manager tells me that the original prescription from Dr J.J.J (?) is all that is necessary. It is a pity that the latter did not tell me that because as anyone can easily understand. I would need a repeat at frequent intervals, as the limit seems to be 100 at one time.
What colour or colours will the jumper consist of Paul – red white and blue? It’s such an accomplishment for Bernadette to possess, and although I have never worn one I understand that those that are hand-knitted are superior to those made in a factory.
Which reminds me to thank Bernadette for her letter, and I do hope that her parents are successful in their venture in the racing world. I daresay that your mother will write to Bernadette.
The “Mercy” Appeal is making good headway – about $160,000 (pounds) is in hand . The cost will be about $300,000 (pounds).
I suppose that this will be the last letter that I will write to the present address. Make sure to leave a forwarding address as the papers I sent are likely to travel slower than 1st class mail.
It would be a good idea if you could let all the doctors at Nambour have a holiday whilst you are still available, but I suppose that would be impractical.
Cahills have a car now – and old one. Maree seems to be the licensee. They had a special drive made in the side street.
Did I tell you that John Robinson’s wife (choir master) has returned to England. Edwin, as you know, has joined the Franciscans. Mrs Ferlazzo and “my Tony” have sailed for Italy and I hear that Mrs Barber is abroad, so it only remains for me now to win “Tatts” so that you and Bernadette can join the throng, and with that pleasant thought I will conclude with fond love to you and dear Bernadette, and I will continue to pray that you will find yourself in a suitable location and position.
Dad.
I am sending under separate cover – Judy (Garland?) – from wo(e) to go.
*********
Box Hill
Monday 30th.
Dear Paul and Bernadette.
Received a most welcome letter from Bernadette.
As most of the matter is of a domestic nature it will have to wait until Patricia comes back.
The enclosed were distributed after Mass yesterday.
I think it was a nice gesture of the Archbishop (Simmonds) because we all missed Dr Mannix so much: “we will not look upon his like again.”
We had some rain today after a week of round about 80f. It may be cold tonight.
Best wishes to both and may God bless you.
Dad.
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