Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com

1963 - 1964 - 1965

Rev. Capt C.H.Heath-Caldwell DSO RN aged 74/75

Violet M.Heath-Caldwell aged 77/78

Patricia M.C.Heath-Caldwell aged 43/44

Diana Charlton - (Danny) - (ne Heath-Caldwell) aged 42/43

Rosamond Attwood - (Ros) - (ne Heath-Caldwell) aged 38/39

J.A. Heath-Caldwell (NZ) aged 33/34

D.A.Heath-Caldwell (NZ) (ne Jones) aged 28/29

Vice Admiral Alexander Palmer ADC, DSO, OBE, RN. aged 83/84

Irving Palmer OBE, RN.

Lady Genesta Hamilton (ne Heath) aged 64/65

Madeline Marion de Salis (ne Heath) aged 71/72

Rosamond Heath (Posy) aged 70/71

Irving M. Palmer OBE, RN.
Rev. Frederick M.T. Palmer aged 75/76 Maitland NSW
Norah Palmer aged 52/53 Maitland NSW
Ianthe M. Asquith (ne Palmer) aged 31/32 Maitland NSW
Dara Gibbs (ne Palmer) aged 29/30 Maitland NSW
Freya Ferguson (ne Palmer) aged 28/29 Maitland NSW
Rosalind McLeod (ne Palmer) aged 25/26 Maitland NSW
Joseph G. Palmer aged 17/18 Maitland NSW
Primrose N. Palmer aged 15/16 Maitland NSW

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell
Wednesday 1st January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
8/6 + 12 2 1/2 stamps. Due for Brixton Deveril Parish magazine. The Dorest Natural History and Archeological Society. (pound)1.14s. Hon. Treasurer I.W. Barrett. Cigarettes. Quiet day, nothing much doing. Biked to Maiden Newton - met the Herewards walked back. (senior).

Quite a nice day, Biked to Maiden Newton about notices. Met the Herewards (Senior) on the way back. Drew Leslie in choir get-up. Rang up Shilly who is to come here on 9th.

Thursday 2nd January 1964- Cattistock, Dorset
Had my hair set in the morning at Miss Francis's. Jolly good. Mrs Egerton there too. Finished my poster. Mr Rees brought notice for lectures. Nothing much in the afternoon. Successful party in the evening. Mrs Spencer there, also Mrs Cake. (Danny out late.)

Friday 3rd January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Letter came from Michael Langdon. Good about Jim who he had seen on Christmas day. Mrs Leader rang up - supper tonight. Did poster in the morning. Coolish dry day. Lily had a cough. After lunch wrote to Mrs Davies. Bicycled to see Mr Batten with post, also to Frome St.Quentain with notices of lectures. After tea went to supper with Mrs Leader. Listened to Mendelssohn's violin concerto in E minor Opus 64 with Yehudi playing. On way back saw 2 roe deer. Listened to Pope Paul speaking - good. Bed 11.30pm.

Saturday 4th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
(End of Diary 1963)Letter from Dora all about the children. Annoyed Daddy. Discussed Dora all day - ye Gods - how much time can one waste. Went to sleep in the afternoon to get away from it all. Saw Pope Paul in the evening on TV, amazing pictures going up the Vic Dolorosa. (Diary 1964) - Letter from Dora all about the children - this annoyed Daddy very much, and he talked about it all day encouraged by me! Ye Gods! how much time can one waste. Went to sleep in the afternoon to get away from it all. Saw Pope Paul in the evening on TV, amazing pictures of him going up the Via Dolorosa, being jostled and pushed in the crowds.

Sunday 5th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Went to the early service 8.am with Daddy. I was up early before that. Mummy had "Trots" so did not come. I felt pretty bad tempered. Mum cooked lunch. Rested for a bit afterwards. Pope visiting Holy Land - good news. Good film of Dr Findley.

Monday 6th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Blandford Choral Society. 1st Meeting. Pleasant day, hardly any fog - sun tried to shine. Took round notes in morning about lectures. Men here putting in soft-water fixture. Took Daddy's car to be done by Radford. Met Boys in street! Took round more notes after lunch. Met Jan Stuart and Nicholas - she is living in Berkshire. Shilly worse - wants me to stay down there. Wrote to Sister Porter. Cold night. Car parking locked. Went down to other place. Good practice - not many there. Bach. Gave Mrs R Spanish brandy.

Tuesday 7th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Pick up Mrs Weaver 1.30pm to go to art school. Went into Dorchester on my own. Water softening business finished. Went off to Yeovil art school with Mrs Weaver (from Frome St.Quentin). Good day there. Met Joyce Padwick. On to tea with them at Lower Odcombe. (Coniar Cottage). Stopped at Mrs Weaver's on the way back to see pictures. Back 7.15pm. TV rest of evening.

Wednesday 8th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Fetch Shilly. Foggy day to start with. Went to Maiden Newton as Mr Waring had rung up. Left home 11.55am. Reached Newton Abbott 1.50pm. 1hr 55minutes. Shilly pale, but fairly cheerful. Poured out all our troubles! Watched TV and eat most of the rest of the day. Mummy rang up at 7pm.

Thursday 9th January 1964 - Newton Abbot
Good day. Went out and did shopping for Shilly. Quiet lunch and afternoon. Rang Mummy up. Watched TV at night. Cold flat!! Mummy rang up.

Friday 10th January 1964 - Newton Abbot
Up early as usual. Shilly went to doctor. I fetched her back. Left at 11am. Here at 1pm. Down to Maiden Newton in the afternoon. Took Dad, Mum and Mrs Clark to the lecture by the Rev. A. Lynch. Very good. Fifteen of us there.

Saturday 11th January 1964 - Newton Abbott
Left Cattistock at 12mid. (no letters from Jimmy yet). At Shilly's by 1.50pm. Dull, rather foggy day. Sat and watched TV all afternoon. Sewed a bit. Very cold in her flat as usual!! Play by Bernard Shaw "Androcles and the Lion." Rather good. (1912)

Sunday 12th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Got up late. Quiet day. Went to shop for pie. Sat in till 4pm. Snowing. Went to tea with Mrs Banstead and daughter.

Letter - 12th Jan 1964
from - Mrs Doris A. Rogers, 48 Denton Street, Stratford, NZ -
to - Mrs V. Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

Dear Mrs Heath-Caldwell,

I did not write before Christmas - I had an illness which affected my sight somewhat - also I just could not wish you a merry Christmas, knowing how distressed you must be about your son. I cannot understand the whole affair - it is quite beyond me. I could not do the work for our ordinary Christmas party, but felt that as I had had the little family for Easter and Christmas for so many times, that I felt I could not leave Dora and the Children out especially as her own mother and step-father just went off to Auckland on holiday just a few days before Christmas Day - so Lucy invited them and with me - we had a very quiet day - the children were quite good.

Lucy had a very nice tree with presents for all. I stayed a few days and came back to get ready for Bill,who was coming home for New Year, bringing two Malayan Chinese Colombo Plan students - sons of rubber planters. It as very interesting to hear of their way of living and the problems of rubber and exports and imports and so on. Bill took them round three farms - sheep, dairy and fat stock - and milk - also up the mountain - we had a hectic few days, but I really enjoyed having them.

I sent Jimmie a book - "Chichester's Journey Across the Atlantic." He sent me a nice letter of thanks. So I say, I just cannot understand the situation. I can just show friendship when it is needed, and I have a feeling that Dora is making friends, and will not need me. However, apart from Jimmie, I'm sure I shall not mind that.

On Wednesday of this week I shall be returning to the hospital at New Plymouth for further operation and treatment - I do hope, the last. At the moment the sight is not very clear - hence the writing, please excuse.

Lucy is very well - she had a very enjoyable trip to Japan which impressed her very favourably. She liked the people and admired their industry. She brought me back nice things, including a charming baby doll - really Japanese. I had one when I was small and used to love it.

I, myself, had a nice trip down the West Coast of the South Island, across to Christchurch and home via Nelson by plane. I travelled on a (View?)- Master and saw quite a bit of the Southern Alps and some of the lakes - a perfect flight on a perfect day. I was in the Inangahua Rise flood too - quite exciting. The bus driver decided to tackle it - we were the last to get through.

After all the hospital business is over, I am looking forward to seeing Nicholas and Margaret who say they are returning later in the year.

I do hope you have a happier NewYear. If I could help in any way - I would.

Kindest regards from Doris Rogers.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell

Monday 13th January 1964 - Newton Abbott
Stan Rowden passed his test. Weather bad. Cold, and more snow forcast. Left 11.30am. Fairly bright till just beyond Honiton. Nearly skidded into hedge, car behind us did. Shilly marvellous. Stopped at Hunters Lodge, Axminster for lunch at 12.45pm. Good steak. Shilly had fish. Snowing hard - car fairly covered when we came out. Difficult driving to Bridport - Charmouth bad. Home by 3.15pm. Shilly took a new pill before we arrived! Did not go to Blandford.

Tuesday 14th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Very foggy dull day. Felt very tired. Nothing much in the morning. Shilly stayed in bed till lunch. I rested all afternoon. Mummy and Shilly went to the shops. Compact in the evening. Cancelled lunch with Joyce and art school.

Wednesday 15th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Quiet day. Felt a little less tired. Nothing much in the morning. Slept a bit and washed clothes in the afternoon. Went to art school in the evening, which I nearly forgot. Friday 7pm.

Thursday 16th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Foggy in morning. Sun shone in the afternoon. Biked to see Mrs Rees whois going to hospital tomorrow. Mummy and Shilly went for a walk just before tea! Letter from Joyce3 Padwick.

Friday 17th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Not quite so cold. Nothing much in the morning. Took Shilly to have her hair set in the afternoon. Went on into Dorchester to take library books. Met Mac. who brought them out for me. Stopped Maiden Newton for shopping. Got ready for Joe, who arrived just as I was leaving for lecture, which was good. Good books. Excellent seeing Joe who is fearfully tall.

Saturday 18th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Foggy. Took Joe round the village before he left. Quiet day. Letter from Mrs Rogers.
notes - Mrs Rees. Mary O'Neill. Joe. Dentist. New cheque book. Can cheque wed. Michelangelo, David. Uncle Irving and Buzzie. Grace Maddock.

Sunday 19th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Daddy went to the early service on his own. I went to 11am with myself! Strangers behind me. Good sermon from Brinky on Methodism and unity. Find out about meeting. Came back - Shilly and Mummy had had a row! Rested for a bit in the afternoon. Good TV at night. Play ended "The Father" by Strindbery - like Jim's case! Good about Michelangelo.

Monday 20th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Still wet and foggy. Shilly had breakfast in bed so usual. Choral at Blandford in the evening. Foggy, but we got there!

Tuesday 21st January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Foggy day again. Set off at 12mid. Lunch with Joyce and Paddi at 16 Lower Odcombe. Arrived late at art class. did one of the women there - quite a success. Took Joyce, Peggy back and had tea with them. Back here. Grant had rung up.

Wednesday 22nd January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good concert, Concert in E.major - Bach. Syman Goldberg. Postcard from Grace. Went into Dorchester with Shilly and Mummy. Lunch and good shopping in Genge's. Back by 3.15pm. Good art class. Took Mr Dowell's daughter - good result.

Thursday 23rd January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Clear day. Left Pound House 11am. At Newton Abbott at 2.20pm. Lunch in Honiton. Window shopped. Watched TV. Tory party gave themselves away. Cold! Oh very cold!

Friday 24th January 1964 - Torquay
Cold day. Went shopping in the morning. Also after lunch, and walked round the park. Went off to the Pavilion at Torquay to see "The Importance of Being Earnest." Very good indeed. Were welcomed by Lady Roper and Lady Henderson!

Saturday 25th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Left about 11.30am. Bad fog south of Telegraph Hill, to beyond Exeter. Also at Axminster. Back at 1.30pm. Mummy had felt giddy on Friday. Slept in the afternoon, watched TV in the evening.

Sunday 26th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day. Mum and Dad went to early service. I went to 6.30pm. Took down sermon - quite good. I cooked some of dinner. Did W.I. thing in the afternoon, and then went dow to see Mrs Luckoch at Melford's Mill. She has written a book (children's history).Geoffrey may come to Blandford with us.

Monday 27th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Worked on W.I. thing. (folder for headquarters) most of day. Foggy and wet. Letter from Jimmy - better, but he is depressed still. Went round to Peggy, who showed me some of her pictures - a fairly good one of Elizabeth I thought. Went to Blandford with Mrs Robinson. Slogging evening with Bach's magnificent. On way back went to someone's help for petrol.

Tuesday 28th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Mummy stayed in bed for breakfast. Went off at 12mid to lunch with Joyce and Paddi Padwick. She had a book translated into Chinese! Must get it. Good art class - should I be in the colour department? Fridays? Back to tea with the Padwicks. Game of Scrabble, rather fun. Home by 8pm.

Wednesday 29th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day. Mum doing room, though she said she felt giddy. Letter from BO. After lunch went to Dorchester with Lily. Found good chair at Shepherd and Hodgers. Travel agency. Passage April or May. Art in the evening. Jane on about dishonesty.

Thursday 30th January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Wrote to dentist, Nancy, Mrs Cozans. Good day. Mummy still preparing the room.

Letter - 30th Jan 1964
Mrs Tim Harris, P.O. Box 16,Okaiawa, Taranaki -
to Mrs V. Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

My dearest Dears,

I have made several attempts to write this letter but every time had someone call on me as it is holiday time over here - so I am writing this early in the morning with Heidie (my dog) and two kittens in attendance. You will be pleased to know that Doris (Rodgers) is safely over her operation. She had had a slight stroke at Xmas but seems quite recovered. She had a local aneasthetic.

Last Sunday I took Jimmy up to New Plymouth to visit her. She was able to see him. They had quite a bright talk. Jimmy is looking extremely well.

On the way home I asked him if he would like to call on Dora. He said it would be of no use as she considers he has "let her down." It ill behoves me to criticize persons who have been guests in my house but I find these folk hard to understand. In the parlance of my mother they are rather fourth rate, having apparently no consideration of others feelings, privacy or ideas.

The Mother took unmitigated liberties in my house. One little example: I hade one concession to modern art - fancy bricks and dressed NZ timber to make book shelves; decorated with cyclinder of bi-coloured string etc. When I came home from Japan, I found the bricks thrown out into the garden. The shelves nailed together and painted PINK. I was expected to admire this atrocity. I was speechless. My house was "SPRING CLEANED." !!!!

Since I have come home I have done nothing but repair, renovate and replace. I can understand Jmmy's deep depression. Anyway (continues)

31st Jan 1964 (No.2)
Mrs Tim Harris, P.O. Box 16, Okaiawa, Taranaki, New Zealand
to Mrs V. Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dochester, England

I think Jimmy's chief trouble is that he has married out of his own class. I thought Mr and Mrs B were rather mean leaving Dora and the children at Xmas time. No one else had asked them out and Doris and I felt rather sorry about it.

Oh! dear! Oh! dear! Shades of my ancestors. The words "shut-up" have always been anethema to our family.

I saw the new Trowbridge baby - a beautiful child. The atmosphere in that home is very tranquil. I am hoping to have Jimmy down to visit me and will get some nice young people to meet him. I received Mr C.'s letters and assured Mr McCarthy that I would do anything to help Jimmy. Mr & Mrs B. turned up here last night and asked me straight out if I had heard from you - I was evasive - I suppose they are wondering what I know - Mrs T told me a little bit and it all lines up with Mrs B's interfering ways. I hope this letter does not upset you - but it is the truth as I see it.

I hope this finds you in the best of health and spirits. Jimmy said Patricia may come over. I would like to have her stay with me if she would care to do so.

Much love to you both from Lucy Harris.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell

Friday 31st January 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Biked to Maiden Newton. Saw Mrs Rees. (Mr) Boys! Mrs Brinkworth and him with a cuppa. Mummy still doing room. Read book - Mrs Kraft came across to play the piano, we had fun. I conducted. Went to the lecture in the evening. Quite amusing for a change. Brought back Mrs Rees - Daddy gave her the address of Osteopath - Aspinall.

Saturday 1st February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Woke with a headache. Quite a nice day, except for a few unkind things which Mummy and Daddy said. Perhaps it is better to be deaf as I once was.

Sunday 2nd February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Daddy went to the early service. I went to 11am. Saw G.Luckock who is coming tomorrow night. Rested in the afternoon. Played piano pm. Americans hit moon, but no photographs.

Monday 3rd February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Letter from E.Turner. Also Nancy. Cleared out room in morning - fine day. Went to Blandford with Geoffrey Luckock and Mrs Robinson. Quite a success. Danny was sick. Doctor came in the afternoon to see Mummy.

Tuesday 4th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day on the whole. Arrived late at Joyce and Paddi's (Awful letter from Sheila about abortions etc and MRA in morn) Painting improving. Joyce very tired. Possibility of going to London to see Goya expedition(sic). Went with note to committee meeting to see if Mr Renvoizi could play "Jerusalem" for me. He said he would (Practice 6pm on Wednesday).

Wednesday 5th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Felt rather tired. Went down in afternoon to see Mary Cake and tell her that the travel agency had rung to say 24th April OK. Went into Dorchester with Daddy in the morning. Went to bank, and travel agency - to book passage and to Gregatis for camera. Went to the art class in the evening, did one of Mr Dowell's daughter. Went and asked Mr Renvoizi if he would do piano - said he would.

Thursday 6th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Terrific letters from Jimmy and also from Mrs Harris to Mum. Went and saw Mrs Dowell with sketches, also Mrs Rees about tomorrow. All afternoon wrote out words. Went to W.I. Peggy Grant's quite good - but mine a complete flop! Rang up Bo the same evening.

Friday 7th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Fair day - getting ready for lunch party. The two old Padwicks came - quite a success. Mummy felt she had a cold coming, so took two doses of quinine. She came back with us in the car to see the Padwick's cottage. Late tea. Lecture in the evening, quite interesting, saw a film about a monastery. Collected quite a lot of money. Back early.

Saturday 8th February 1964
Beagling all cannings. Set off at 11.30am. Cold frosty and foggy. Found the place about 2.15pm and caught up with Nancy who was with a little girl who was lost. Had a good afternoon, in by 7pm. Met Anthony Palmer, rather sweet little chap in a blue jersey. Took some of them back to college, then on here. Nice hot bath and so to bed.
- Owe telephone 62. Find out about R Health.

Sunday 9th February 1964 ?
Nancy went to the early service. I did not - I went to the 11am with Mrs Codrington, only she came in at a different time from me. Nancy went and fetched Anthony Palmer and Peter Hannan. Mrs Codrington went to lunch with Mary. We played Bali all afternoon, and then went for a walk round the garden and churchyard. Took boys back after tea. S. broke key.

Monday 10th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Left about 10am. Back here at 1.15pm for lunch. Cleaned car after lunch and had bonfire. Singing in the evening with G.Luckock and Mrs Robinson. A copy each of Bach's Magnificent. Uneventful trip back.

Tuesday 11th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Up late - toothache in the night. Arrived late at the Padwich's. Nice lunch - Indonesian Cabbage!! Finished picture - not pleased with it. Took Miss Toomey back with us. Interesting talk about art. Back about 7.30pm. Good programme on TV.

Wednesday 12th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Fairly good day. Nothing much doing in the morning. Mrs Kennard came to tea, made cheese and tomato sandwiches. Art class. Drew Jane - also a tea port the others did. Boy Marshall did not come. Neither Mrs Sykes or Mrs Hereward. Reading "The Methodist Conversations." Brinky had flu.

Thursday 13th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Letter from Nancy - all is forgiven. Also one of the berth on the "Northern Star." Went into Dorchester. Mummyin bed all the afternoon. Took some apples to Mrs Brinkworth - he is off colour. Played organ for a bit. Cleaned car. Very cold wind, also rain last thing.

Friday 14th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
No Valentines. Took Mum into Dorchester. Raining hard some of morning. Slept in the afternoon because of toothache - Took Aspro. WEA Civilisation Lectures - good. Film of Romanesque architecture.

Saturday 15th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Mum's birthday. Flowers from Danny and Ros. Little china present from Ros. David's confirmation, but Ros did not go, as one of the twins was ill. Had pheasant for lunch, and Mrs Craft came to tea, stayed till 7.30pm. Good film on TV.
Memoranda - Honey in cupboard (what to do with same) Patterns for dress. Car transport.Write Grace. Finish car. Spiced beef.

Sunday 16th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Mum and Daddy went to early service. I didn't but felt very tired out - aches and pains. Joyce Giblin rang up to ask us to tea. Daddy and Mum went, I did not, but fed the hens and took Mrs Wills to church. Very good sermon from Mr Ginever. Lit fire. Mum and Dad back late on account of fog.

Monday 17th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Damp dull day. Lily said trying to snow. So no washing.Alexis home for lunch. Cleaned car in the afternoon. Cold wind. Mrs Craft's and Mrs Kennard's sow about Canada. Picked Mrs Robinson up there. Also Geoffrey. Good evening singing. Clear night.

Tuesday 18th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Fairly good day. Left at 12mid. Paddi had cold, so had hearts for lunch - then went on my own to the art class. Peggy G. not there. Dropped Mis Toomey at Five Ways. Back to tea with Joyce. Then home and on to supper with Mrs Leader. Late bed because of "eternal" washing up. Michelangelo died 400 years ago.

Wednesday 19th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day. Went into Dorchester with Mummy. She had her eyes tested, they were alright. Morningt tea at Genge's. Made bread, and went to see Mrs Brinkworth in the afternoon. Marshall did not come. Mrs Carpenter brought her husband - quite fun doing him. Bed 11.15pm.

Thursday 20th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Still very cold. Went to Yeovil, but shops shut so on to Sherborne. Very good fun - found nice furniture shop. Bought cups, and material for curtains. Went to bed a bit earlier. Took Twinkle - not good - had to take him down at 12.30am.

Friday 21st February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day - still cold wind. Shopped in morning. Letters to Danny and Ros. Went into Dorchester after lunch. Sent flowers to Grace and took some to Mary Butler. Mum bought another corset. Lecture in the evening. Full attendance, except Mrs Austin, Mr Lynch thirsty. Parcell sent Amanda - Ros's book returned. Letters written and posted to Danny and Ros.

Saturday 22nd February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Fair day. No washing up machine yet! Mum in a very bad temper to start with but improved as day went on. Had interesting food - mushrooms, lettuce etc.
Memoranda - Write Grace. Collect book from Smiths.

Sunday 23rd February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
I went to early service, Daddy did not. Mrs Craft there and a very few other people. Mummy feeling very exhausted as she was sick and etc in the night. Cooked lunch, in a bad temper. Water in at Daddy's study. Washed up all afternoon - and listened to wireless at the same time. Went to tea with Mrs Craft. Back watched TV. Good " Meeting Point, " also singing.

Monday 24th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Dentist 11.30am. Went into Yeovil 5 minutes late. Temporary stopping with Mr Harvey. Small amount shopping. Rested in the afternoon. Went to Blandford singing with Geoffrey and Mrs Robinson. Good practice. He went to point.

Tuesday 25th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Concert 7.30pm Dorchester. Take to Joyce "Music in Dorset." Operas at Bournemouth - art magazine. Joyce rang up to say "flu" was bad. Could not go to crit(?) I took Mrs Weaver in. Rather a dull subject - plaster cast of man. My picture a monstrosity!! Concert in the evening with Mrs Craft to Mrs Kennard. Quite nice concert but do not like her C. She drove us well back in fog.

Wednesday 26th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Letter from Bee. Mary Webber. Good day. Went into Dorchester. Very wet. Art in the evening. Jane asked about Marshall. Mrs Hereward not there, nor Marshall. Did Mr Carpenter - who is he?

Thursday 27th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Nothing much in morning. Took car to be mended in the afternoon. Walked back.Twinkle and Danny very naughty with the rams in the Creswell's field. Brinky's film night. Not many Confirmation candidates there. Quiet evening. Bed early 11pm.

Friday 28th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day. Very hot I thought. Biked to Maiden Newton after lunch. Saw Mrs Rees, Dr Hereward, the Greenaways. Nothing wrong with the car. Letter from Mrs Connerton. Washing up machined man came. Stayed to tea. Good meeting at Maiden Newton with Rev. Lynch. Cups to tea all round. Toothache.

Letter - 28th Feb 1964
from Mrs Enid Cookson, No.4 R.D., Stratford, New Zealand
To Capt. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

Dear Capt. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell & Pat, also Danny & Twinkle-toes

Well, we had Jim and Colin out to see us the other night and it would have done you all good to see Jim look so well, he looked fit (not quite so fat) and very young looking. His talk was interesting and he himself was interested in all we had to say, in fact we reckoned he was 100% but talking to Clare the Doctor would like him to have 2 more months up at Tokonui.

(Got your letter this morning saying that Pat would arrive June)

Now Pat, if you come over in May we'll have plenty of spare beds by then so please make this your head-quarters. Jack was telling Jim that he was going to be taking 6 inches of all your dresses, get your hair done and high heeled shoes on your feet then all the batchelors for miles would be calling, just as well you don't mind him teasing you.

What a summer we have been getting, only a bit of rain one night in 5 weeks, things are certainly drying up. The sheep farmers are the worst. Kenneth got his hay in - in good condition. By the way, he has bought Bell's farm next door, not Chamberlains, the other was going to cost such a lot to buy, also stock it, and now wool has gone up, so has the price of ewes, anyway Kenneth and Margaret will have a lovely new home to start of with.

I've got the garden looking neat and tidy, with a nice lot of winter stuff coming on. I put the sprinkler on each night and they are fresh looking, but the lawns are all big brown patches, only needs the mower run over them once a fortnight.

Kenneth and I have been getting our winter supply of firewood in, our shed is full of neatly stacked up wood and we are now fitting up his shed on the other farm, he doesn't take over until May but they are letting him fill the shed up and put things in the garden, by the way will it be alright if Jack sees the Public Trust also Jim about renting Jims house for 6 to 8 weeks. Kenneth gets married April 4th but can't get into the house until the end of May. He did mention a caravan and then we thought of Jim's place, I hear its was left in an awful mess, also the ceiling tank had over-flowed and the place was (dacting?) inside.

Corrina has started teaching again and quite likes her new school, she hasn't got Hillary's class. She had two kittens to greet us, one a male the other a female sow we are expecting an increase one of these days. I have a little book for orders, and already two have got homes.The milk supply is dropping with this dry weather, I go over and help milk when Kenneth is away shearing or is busy at other jobs, I rather like the job, even if I do get covered with sweet violets...

When Jack has caught up with his work and isn't so tired we are going out to Colins and showing our films, the other night there was too much to talk about and the evening just seemed to fly by.

Well its bed time for us. Jack must have his sleep he has lost over a stone in weight, as he had gained that while we were away he is now back to normal.

Remember us to all at Cattistock, is Lilly looking after you OK. thanks for sending on my broach. These letters won't allow you to get allyoun want written.

Love to you all from Enid and Jack.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Saturday 29th February 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Not a bad day. Felt fearfully tired in the evening and could not sleep. Went to see "From Russia with Love" with Leslie Hereward and Mummy instead of drawing them as planned. Good Brian Rix film in the evening on TV.
Memoranda - Travel agency - queries on envelop in drawer.

Sunday 1st March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Ached all day, and felt pretty (gross?) Went to church - excellent sermon from Brinky. I was almost moved to tears. Mummy did the lunch. We had one of the ducks. Rested all afternoon. Ached even into the evening. Dr Finlay (s Casebook?) and Cameron were good.

Monday 2nd March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Letter from J.Padwick. Also Nancy C. Wrote to B. Maddock. Wrote to Jim at last. Quiet day, felt pretty exhausted, wrote several letters to people. Pretty cold weather. To Blandford in the evening with Geoffrey and Mrs Robinson. Deep discussion on God etc.

Tuesday 3rd March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Letter from Boys, who can come to the concert on 16th at Dorchester. Another bonfire in the morning. Went and had lunch with Joyce and Paddi. Both recovered but not quite alright. So Joyce and I went for walk round Montacute in the afternoon. Very pleasant. Went into the church. Had tea with old Paddi, came home about 7pm.

Wednesday 4th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Beauty headache. Lily so untactful! Rested all morning and afternoon too. Art class in evening. Mr Carpenter.

Thursday 5th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day. Still cold. Went to Maiden Newton in the morning. Saw Mrs Rees. Went to Maiden Newton in pm in car to fix dress and get petrol. Did poster for concert and went off to supper with Jane - in tiny room.

Friday 6th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Letter from Cooksons. Good day, still cold. Mummy stayed in bed till lunch time. We went into Dorchester in the afternoon. Lecture in the evening. Quite interesting. Got the seats for Pete Grimis par telephone.

Saturday 7th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day to begin with. Cold, but fairly sunny. However after lunch Daddy started cleaning the heater and went on till 7pm. Had a fire in the sitting room!

Sunday 8th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Mummy went to early service. I did not. Daddy went to bed all day, headache as a result of yesterday's mending the stove. I fed the animals. Went to church in the evening. Good sermon from Brinky. Wrote to Elizabeth Turner.

Monday 9th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Daddy still in bed. Had nice spot of fresh air feeding animals morning and night. Geoffrey came later for the practice. He was rather depressed. Looking for a job.

Tuesday 10th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Peter Grimis. Left here 12.30pm. Went to art on my own after lunch with Joyce. Back 4.45pm. (return?) trip to The Pavilion, Bournemouth. Back 12 midnight. Play good but depressing. good scenery.

Wednesday 11th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Confirmation evening. Cold in morning. Shopped in Yeovil. Back for lunch. Lovely day, sat in the hut in the afternoon. Felt tired. Confirmation very crowded. Alexis Rowden alone. We sat next to Lily. Bishop Pile good. Went on to art afterwards. Last evening of Mr Carpenter.

Thursday 12th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Chard a.m. Wet day in the morning. Went into Dorchester to see about ticket. Coffee at Genges with Mummy. Rested in the pm in bed. Dull, windy and wet all day. Church Annual General Meeting in the eveing. Col. Luckock and Major Grant came in to see us afterwards.

Friday 13th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Lovely day. Quite warm. Bees out. Sat in hut after lunch. Boys came round after tea. Lecture last one. Quite good. In the morning went and saw Mrs Clark - coffee with her.

Saturday 14th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Art course. Good day. Set off at 11.30am with Mrs Hereward for Art technical College at Yeovil. Had to abstract art!! Left 5.30pm with Mrs H. Quietish evening. - Travel agency. Vaccination certificate.

Sunday 15th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Daddy went to early service. I left to go to Yeovil where I finished the abstract painting. Back and picked up Joyce when when she came to lunch. On to the concert at the Plaza. Over by 4.15pm. Boys came too. Joyce caught train at 5.30pm. Church at Chilfrome. Good sermon from Brinky.

Monday 16th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day. Maiden Newton with Mummy to have her hair set in the afternoon. Filling(?) with Mrs Downton. Blandford in the evening. Exhausting singing! but got through the Magnificent. Home later 10.15pm. Last time!!

Tuesday 17th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Raining and turning to snow. Did not lie. Went to Joyce P's stopping at Mrs Hereward's on the way. She did a good portrait. Late for art class with Joyce! Must be early next time. Left her at 7pm. Very heavy snow sleet coming down. Reached home at 8pm.

Wednesday 18th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Wet day all day. Men working in house. Played piano in the afternoon. Out in the evening. Still life.

Thursday 19th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day. Floods in night. Men all day long. Cleaned out my room. Walked to Wall's Farm and had Oberammagau record played on Mary's record. Bach.

Friday 20th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Went off 10.30am to TImberscombe to get Elizabeth J. Had lunch. Back by 5.30pm. Walked round village with her. Met Boys. Went to rectory to see Mrs Brinky. Can't come. Saw Mrs Clark.

Saturday 21st March 1964- Cattistock, Dorset
Concert. Blandford. Leave 1.15pm. Lovely fine morning. Sat in garden. Left at 1.15pm for Blandford. Rehearsal until 4pm. Walked round grounds. Had another sing song. The concert was a huge success, but I felt very tired. Mrs Lacock and Ann Lacock came and Mrs Robinson's daughter and friend. I was sick bringing back Elizabeth and Mrs Clark.
Memoranda - Dear and Glorious Physician by Taylor Caldwell "Collins" 1959 Ros, Mum, Mrs R. p 500. Elizabeth T. Spare room. Redford's taxi. Concert on Saturday night. Brinkworths. Another good book about politics Hugh Foot "A Start in Freedom."

Saturday 21 March 1964
The Scotsman
With a final dividend of 20%, Excess Insurance are paying an unchanged total distribution of 30% for 1963. Net profit has edged up from £236,997 to £258,884, after tax of £466,842 against £439,639 and transference of £1,000,000 (£1,025,000) to general underwriting reserve. The sum of £5,000 (£50,000) is allocated to general reserve and £61,142 (£61,008) goes forward.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Sunday 22nd March 1964 - Palm Sunday - Cattistock, Dorset
Daddy went to the service early. We go up latish. Went for walk in afternoon with the dogs and Elizabeth. Twinkle escaped but was re-caught. Danny split his lead. I went to the evening service, which was a film. We sat in the front row. Watched "Dr Finlay in Love."

Monday 23rd March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
(To Nancy in off time tea) Woke with headache, so stayed in bed. Daddy to (MET?) in Taunton. I slept all afternoon. Up in evening, but went to bed early. No cuts yet. Nice fine day.

Tuesday 24th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Quiet day - it needed to be! Went down to post with letters for Shilly, Nancy and Jimmy. TV in evening. Concert.

Wednesday 25th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Mrs Downton 2.30pm. Mrs Rees. Did parcels for nephews and nieces. Had dress fitted at Madien Newton. Took Lily down to Doreen's land fetched her. Saw Mary Cake. Art class in the evening after Evensong. Same film as Sunday. Robin Cake came with me.

Thursday 26th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Went into Dorchester with Mummy. Back before lunch because Lily had daughter home from school. Sat in hut in the afternoon. Lovely warm sun. Slept a bit. Dogs very noisy. Barked a lot.

Friday 27th March 1964 - Good Friday - Cattistock, Dorset
Well all went to 11am service. Daddy stayed till 1pm. After lunch in the hut for a bit. Went to film service in the evening. Very good I thought. Sat with the McDonalds.

Saturday 28th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Cold day. Rather leaden sky. Went to Maiden Newton with Peggy Grant to shop. Slept in the afternoon after watching the boatrace. Cambridge won by 6 1/2 lengths.
Memoranda - Shilly's birthday. Eastern Cards, children. Owe Mummy 6/- to 10/- Also Telephone 2/6 and 2/-. Letters Danny, Grace, people in Australia, Frasers, Davies. Nancy, Jim (again!) WEA.

Sunday 29th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Awake early from car going up and down the road. Bells at 6.35am up to 8am service. Big crowd. Also 11am and 6pm. Spoke to Geoffrey Luckock. Scouts called in the afternoon. Danny and Ros rung up. Danny coming here in a week's time.

Monday 30th March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Another cold and rather dull day. We washed in the morning, and I rested in the afternoon. Good thriller on TV at night - "The Moving Toyshop" by Edmund Crispin. Surely there will be a letter from Jimmy tomorrow.

Tuesday 31st March 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day. Still cold. Went into Dorchester with Mummy. Sure of Rangitane booking. Back 12.30pm. Went to Maiden Newton in the afternoon. Saw Mr Rees, also Mrs Carpenter. Letter from Jim, normal. Staying another month with Colin.

Wednesday 1st April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Another cold day. Went to tea with Joyce Padwick to work out accounts. Daddy rather down with Rheumatism. Chloe not yet found.

Thursday 2nd April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
W.I. Party. Mrs Downton. Mrs Greenaway. Bank. McDonald. Insurance office. Mrs Egerton called in the morning. I went to Mrs Downton and Greenaway, saw Mrs Clark. Tea with Mrs Egerton. Took books to Wrackleford House (Pope's) W.I. Party. Saw Barbara MacDonald re accounts. Alec Grant popped in - W.I. party, good film about Scotland to do with "Ring of Bright Water."

Friday 3rd April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Went into Dorchester. Paid remainder of ticket £164. After lunch, still very cold. Sat in sitting room reading. Went round to MacDonald's three times and got accounts finished alright.

Saturday 4th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Snow everywhere. Very wet. Pleasant, quiet birthday. Presents from Mary Cake and Lily - £20 from Daddy, a petticoat from Mummy. Mummy's cake was good. Sleeted and snowed all day. - Memoranda - WEA. Bank. Jane re Black sheep, & Joyce. Leather strap suitcase. Vaccination? Insurance. Mrs MacD. Palmers. Mary Langham. Frasers. Bartrops. Cooksons. Davies. Brinkman. Miss Banks. cheque Redfords.

Sunday 5th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day. Went to 11am service. Went to tea with Miss Leader. Saw her friend. Danny arrives tomorrow.

Monday 6th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Getting ready for Danny. She arrived about 4pm. Brinkworths came in before that. Sophie has a cold. Brought me a lovely passport and label.

Tuesday 7th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Art starts again (did not go) Went for a walk in the afternoon. Sophie cried while we were out. Mummy coped alright.

Wednesday 8th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Went into Dorchester. Also saw Mrs Greenaway. Had an address for Jimmy. Also went to sea - Nice sunny day. Good play in the evening - Anouhh.

Thursday 9th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Meeting - Rectory about union with Methodists. Fine day. Joan Mitchell rang up - and came up to us. Her son has had an accident - and cut his face badly. We went for a walk in the afternoon, down to Mrs Egerton's and Joan's. Went round her garden. Quiet evening.

Friday 10th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Lily's birthday. Set off early to go to Charltons at Swanage, after welcoming Lily with happy birthday etc; Stopped in Dorchester. Reached Swanage about 12.45pm. Went round the town in the afternoon - back by 7pm. Mummy very tired she said. Had taken quinine and so went to bed early.

Saturday 11th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Mummy stayed in bed. I got the doctor, who came up. Mrs Ginever rang up to say could Daddy take a service - as her husband was ill. Danny went for a walk in the afternoon with the children. I slept in garden hut and then on my bed. -
Memoranda - "Grass Roots." Patricia Chater. Hodder & Stoughton.

Sunday 12th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Ros birthday. Damp day, inclined to be foggy. Quiet - cooked lunch. Ma came down (eventually??) Took the children and dogs for a walk. Went to church. Sermon on unity with Methodists. Rang up Ros, spoke to John. Then Ros rang us up later on.

Monday 13th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Dentist 11am. Went off at 10.30am. Two stoppings. Very good. Danny went off 11.30am. Dr Hereward came in the afternoon. Good advice about J. Also Mr Strawbridge. Letter to Daddy from M. Langston. Jim is well. Went to Maiden Newton, trains. Mum very tired 'Trent's art case.' TV good Joyce P. rang up.

Tuesday 14th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Quiet day. Saw Mrs Kennard.

Wednesday 15thApril 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Took cot around to Mrs Wall. Reached Taunton at 12.25pm. Had a good lunch with Elizabeth at Chapmans. She caught 2.40pm but. Back here at 4.30pm. Went to Mrs Downtons. Nancy C rang up. Berths in Rangitane next year.

15th April 1964
from - Clare R. Trowbridge, Eltham Road, Kaponga R.D. New Zealand
to - Mrs V. Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England.
Dear Mrs Heath-Caldwell,

This letter seens long overdue, but I'll hope you understand its delay because our little son takes up a good deal of our time - mine especially. He is growing into a sturdy little chap and is well above average size. I have just finished breast feeding him, and now he has started solids. He loves porridge for breakfast, but as yet is not very fond of vegetables. Julie thinks he is just wonderful and is wanting to nurse him all the time. She seems to get anything I need for him - and she certainly saves my weary legs a step or two. I am so glad she is not jealous of him, as it would make things very awkward indeed.

I must thank you for your very kind gifts which you gave Jane to bring for us. It was so very kind of you and I greatly appreciate your thoughts. The little romper suit will be perfect for Gregory this winter, as I was going to have to get him something within the next couple of weeks, because he has grown out of his first size suit. So you couldn't have chosen anything better.

The dress for Julie is delightful but she'll need to wait for next winter to wear it, as it is a little too big. I had already bought her a white pleated skirt for this winter, so your gift will prove invaluable next year and save me having to make her a new dress. She loves pretty clothes and is a real little fuss-pot - she doesn't like to get dirty, which is just as well in a girl.

I don't own any initialled handkerchiefs so your gift is most acceptable and useful. It was indeed a lovely surprise to receive these gifts when Jane opened her trunks. She had to wait nearly three weeks before the railways railed her trunks from Auckland.

We received a letter from Colin's mother today, she seemed under the impression that Jim had been discharged, but he isn't completely discharged yet, although he's been expecting to hear from the Hospital any day now. He is really very well and we feel he has completely got over his 'illness' but now unfortunately he has to face the prospect of life without his 3 children, which is enough to upset any man, let along a man like Jim.

He is going up Rotorua way next week and hopes to gain employment with the Forestry Association which is a Governmnent Department. Today he has been to town and bought himself new working shirts and socks and articles that he'll need. He seems to have so few personal bits and pieces (wallet, comb,toilet bag etc) so I suppose they are still with Dora.

Colin spoke to McCarthy the lawyer, who in turn spoke to Jim and suggested a separation but Jim won't hear of it because he thinks Dora should have so much money as he can let her have, so the children won't want for anything. Maybe he'll change his mind before long.

I must close now. My regards to Mr Heath-Caldwell and yourself. Tell Pat we'll be glad to welcome her when she arrives.

Sincerely, Clare

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Thursday 16th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Went into Dorchester. Daddy stayed in bed all day. Brought back George Langford. Geoffrey Luckock called in the afternoon, is ill. Fed animals. Felt very tired. Wrote a few more people.

Letter - 16th April 1964
JAHC - c/o Collin Troubridge, Eltham Road, R.D., Kaponga, Taranaki.
to Mrs V. Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset,England

Dear Ma,

Thank you very much for the birthday present you sent me which I had clean forgotten about till Pat wrote and reminded me. My memory these days isn't too hot thanks partly, Pat says, to these tranquilisers that I'm taking three times a day.

On Monday I'm departing from here and am off up to the hospital at Tokanui at which I shall stay for a day or two. There I shall see my doctor and see if I can't get myself de-certified as that is a bit of a nuisance when getting jobs.

From there I shall go to a place called KAWERAU where I shall try to get a job in a large paper mill there - if that does not work I shall continue up to Rotorua and try to find some job with the NZ Forestry Service. Just what will happen if that does not come off I don't yet know.

Yesterday evening Martin Langdon and Rex Morgan came over to more or less say good bye, I suppose. They talked all evening to Colin about all sorts of things agricultural which a year or two ago I might have found interesting but which just left me cold. It helps to have a common interest. I even forgot to thank Martin for all that he has done for me recently.

I'm afraid I can't remember birthday dates - I have even forgotten Hilary's and Jeremy's birthdays - can you remember them? I do know that Anthony's is on 17th Nov. Isn't it awful?

The weather just lately has been very mild for this time of year and everything seems to be doing well. The grass grows like nobody's business - that is the basis of all the wealth of course.

Hope you are all well and the dogs of course. Apart from the extra tax on beer, cigarettes and drink I suppose the budget has done no harm to you. The papers say that it has been an unpopular one though and calculated to put Labour back again in October.

Love Jimmy,

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Friday 17th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day. Dry. Pleasant. Daddy was up, but bit bad tempered - naturally I suppose. Quiet morning, cleaning suitcases, dresses etc. Too many. Read the book about bishops. Saw Bo. Boys had three pairs of socks stolen from him while in Rome. Brinky came in and told us about his exam. Mummy had a headache. Daddy had the machine back. Rang Mrs Marsh, wanted some clothes.

Saturday 18th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Cattistock Point to point. Did not go. Went to Maiden Newton on foot with Mrs Holly. Donna had another son at 2pm. Good plays on TV.
Memoranda - National Health stamps - card. Keep to suitcases. Vaccination certificate - spots? Lois Pres for Fred. Lois' baby. Wood. Box to bank. 6pm. Stockings. Johnsons - ticket. Timegates. mycil powder. Swimsuit? 2 prs nylons. Small belt.

Letter - 18th April 1964
From - E.Cookson, No.4 R.D., Stratford, New Zealand,
To - Capt. & Mrs Heath-Coldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Maiden Newton, Dorset, England,

Dear Capt & Mrs Heath-Coldwell,

It would do you both good if you could see Jim and see how well he is looking, we had a very pleasant evening with Colin, Clare and Jim, we showed our slides of you ones, also some taken in London. Jack also had some movies to show them.

Jim goes Monday up north, the change away from this area may be do more for him although to Jack and I he looked 100%. He is not sure where he will get work but seems sure it will be either in the timber mills or in the forestry. Jack asked him if he ever thought of going back on the farm and he said "No, not without Dora and the kids."

The children are well. Corrina sees a lot of Hilary and says she is one of the best dressed little girls that goes to school, she also says Jeremy is a very nice little boy, so Dora, for the public's sake is making a good show as far as the children are concerned, we haven't been near her since that time we called shortly after we came home.

Well you'll both be feeling very lonely without Pat so I hope this news of Jim cheers you up. We are looking forward to seeing Pat and I hope she enjoys her stay over here. We told Jim to come down one weekend while she was with us, I'm affraid he's taking it very quietly, Pat coming over, but perhaps when he sees her it may make a difference.

The weather is still staying fine and we wonder for how long. Its been like this since before Easter, today Margaret and I went with Kenneth to watch him play football and it was like a summer day, children running around bare-footed. I had the garden all tidy for the wedding but there has been such a lot of growth the weeds are coming up thick and fast, so I'll have to go over it all again, by night time it does get cooler and I wouldn't be surprised if we had a frost tonight.

I enjoyed milking the cows while Kenneth was away and intended to get up and help them in the mornings but when he came, somehow knowing he was in the shedI'd say to myself, "I'll lie just another 5 minutes," by that time I'd be fast asleep, but I do intend helping in the Spring.Corrina is cooking tea tonight and in between she is busy knitting.

We got our T.V. going temporary and it was quite good, now we've got it installed permanently by someone who is supposed to be an expert, now it won't go and Jack can't get hold of the chap. I think he must disconnect his phone at nights. Once again I am at the end of writing space, so look after yourselves and remember us to all
.
Love from Enid and Jack XXX

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Sunday 19th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Went to 11am and Communion at Sherborne Abbey, taken by Canon Wingfield Digby. Quiet afternoon. Went to Chilfrome in the evening on bicycle.

Monday 20th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Went into Dorchester in pouring rain - very wet in PM. Mrs Luckock and Susan came in with book, also the doctor for Daddy who was not very well.

Tuesday 21st April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Got ready packing etc. Walked up to Mrs Hennings in the afternoon. Saw Mrs Clark who enjoyed herself at the WEA weekend. Two strange men called for carpets, and the yard.

Wednesday 22nd April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Good day. Went in and had lunch with Mrs Marsh. Bach. Met Mummy in Dorchester. Fine evening.

Thursday 23rd April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Ghastly day really. Took in luggage to Dorchester in the morning. Bought myself a new swmsuit, also bra. Jim's friend Freddie came to tea and got very worked up with Daddy about Jimmy. Freddie himself is better.

Friday 24th April 1964 - Cattistock, Dorset
Sail NZ, Southampton. 10-10.30am Dorchester Train 7.52am arrives Southampton 9.15am. Cabin M.140 Passenger on SS. Northern Star from Southampton to Wellington. Cunard Steam Co. Ltd, Canute Rd, Southampton. Fine send off. Left Mum and Dad at Southampton South 7.45am and then the fun began. Could not phone on ship. Rusers cross questioning each other. Upset. Rest on bunk. Had soup only for supper.

Saturday 25th April 1964 - SS Northern Star
Was sick and had to spend day on bunk. Cabin boy brought me bovril which helped. Gave him £1.

Sunday 26th April 1964 - SS Northern Star
Did not get up for breakfast. Went to "Divine Service" with Miss Woods. Quite nice. Then had tea, and lunch with two odd bods! Rested all afternoon. Supper at 6pm. Went to a concert afterwards. Bed by 10pm.

Monday 27th April 1964 - SS Northern Star
Met the Ingletons in the lounge. They had been back to New Zealand 4 times since 1952. He looked ill. Women's hour 2.30pm.

Monday, 27th April 1964 - No.1
Letter - from Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, The Lounge, SS Northern Star
to Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Ma and Pa,

At last - here it comes! All the latest from (W?)!! A post-card will come but be a bit late. Well, I think it was a pity you didn't come in the end, as it was a lovely day and the ship did not sail till about 4pm. They kept on saying that visitors must get off the ship, so there must have been some on.

We have had the most lovely weather, flatish calm and today there is sunshine about and its 60 degrees and humidity 80 (which possibly makes us feel rather exhausted). Today we are passing down the coasts of Morocco, and tomorrow down the coasts of Las Palmas, Canary Islands, in the morning and leave again in the evening. Here is an outline of everything, it really was alright till I'd waved goodbye to you - but I really don't intend to see myself off again to New Zealand on my own!!

As far as Wareham I travelled with a whole party of school girls (I suppose) but they looked dreadfully adult if you know what I mean!!

Then two elderly business men got in (rather talking like Godfrey Marsh) all about the improvement they should make to Bournemouth etc and how could Mr Marples possibly abolish railways as they neither of them owned cars - because by the time they had got them out and cleaned them etc it was time to put them back in again at weekends. (I must say I rather agreed with that).

Also, as we were getting into Southampton I saw the most enormous queues of cars stretching into the town. There again I do not think it would have mattered if we'd been later than 10.30am.

We got into that foyer place (which seemed much smaller this time) and there we waited till 10.am. I saw 3 telephone kiosks there, and I suppose I could have phoned - but the change had not lasted out.

Finally I walked up the gangway feeling awfully silly - with my hat case and writing case and was quite breathless by the time I got to the top (old age creeping on I suppose). Then, there was about a mile of young chaps looking little older than Martin Cake, already to take us to our cabins. In two minutes I was in my cabin. And then there was a box of lovely freesias from John, Danny, and the children. This really made me feel homeish, but was very nice of them, please let them know I much appreciated it and their thoughts.

Later there was a telegram from Mary, a postcard from Shilly, and a large box of chocolates (just when I was feeling really ill!) from Mrs Ronald. These I should start handing round soon to my most pleasant cabin mates. More about them later. I unsuccessfully tried to phone from the ship, but this seemed impossible. Neither have I yet met Mrs Marshall. However, I have just introduced myself to a nice middle aged couple, (NZ) who I had been friendly with on the Orcades(?) coming back - 12 years ago - very funny they should be on this ship too. More in the next letter.

Its still all like a dream, but the dream is steadily improving.

Love Pat.

Letter - Monday, 27th April 1964 - No.2
from Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, The Lounge, SS Northern Star
to Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Letter II
continued from first.

My cabin mates are a quite elderly thin little Englishwoman called Miss Wood. Lives near San Francisco, but has been staying in England and on her way back to San Francisco via NZ. She is very petite and has white hair. I like her. Then there is a child of 15 (well, she looks like 20) of Glaswegian parents who are in a neighbouring cabin. She is very sweet and talks with a real Scottish voice - phew and the spray she puts on her hair every morning and evening has to be smelt to be believed!! Really, I'm learning a lot!

The other young woman is about 27, and going out to New Zealand to be wed. Also good at hair spray activities!!

On Saturday I was feeling pretty ghastly, so did not arise from my bunk, and the amount of times the door opened and shut and those girls poured scent into their hair was unbelievable. However, as Miss Woods and I remarked to each other - there are more unpleasant smells in the world than these.

We also have a lot of daffies and narcissi in pots around the place which I periodically kick over! So you can imagine it is all rather fun.

The first afternoon as they were going out of Southampton they gave us a most detailed fire drill - which is a good thing I'm sure. All the boats came down. On Sunday the crew had to do it.

On Sunday I managed to get up and we went to what they called Divine Service. This was held in the Cinema lounge - a large room with a stage. This was taken by the Commander who looks in the distance like a clean shaven pirate.

Our Glasgow cabin mate said she nearly knocked him over the other day as he walked the decks! ha! ha! So we told her who he probably was, the Boss himself.

Of course the Service was most straight forward and easy to follow - rather a relief. We only sang the Venite - 2 lessons - from hymns, no sermon. Some prayers - the creed and God save the Queen - no proper blessing - for once there cannot actually be a parson on board - quite a change!!

My friends who I have met again are called Ingleton - and since I saw them last have been 4 times backwards and forwards to England - and have just locked up a flat in Bournemouth and come away. They do not look a day older from when I last saw them.

Last evening we went and listened to a concert, bit of a comedown actually from our Dorset music standards, but a Scotch man who played the drum did well. Also a song called "The Irish Washerman."

I hear Scottish and N.Z. accents all around me, and many of us have not become friendly yet. Just as well, ha! ha!

I must try not to spend any money - but you should see what is in the ship's shops. Transistors too. I might get one there.

All the best and love,
from Pat.

Letter - 27th April 1964 - No.3
from Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, The Lounge, SS Northern Star
to Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England
Evening before Las Palmas.

Letter III

Dear Mummy,

I wonder if you could ring Mrs Ronald for me, of Frome St.Quintain - (in the Tawnton Book) and say thank you for me for the enormous box of New World chocolates she sent me. I have only a few moments to write this, as have left letter writing to a bit late. Also to thank Shilly for her postcard of good wishes and Joyce Padwick - that is if you feel in the mood though I will thank them myself in the end.

I'm beginning to settle down to ship's life now - though it was terribly sort of sudden at first. I wore the new shirt for Jimmy for supper tonight - so that it isn't new as I take it through customs. Then, the lad who sits opposite me at supper says they don't charge customs on anything. And he also advises to get a transistor from the ship's shop as you can't be diddled!!

We had a priceless "Women's House" meeting this afternoon, and were asked what societies we belonged to. One woman said she belonged to the "Gas Company," - nobody seemed to have heard of this society. Actually, we learnt all about Las Palmas - and were persuaded of all the beautiful things we could buy there. Not me - I hope to do some sketching. She says you have to haggle - which I can't!! After this its a good long step before Cape Town. I thought I might get a dressing gown for Jim in the shops - very lovely things there are.

We had a talk from a BEAUTIFUL NZ nursing sister on Sunburn and the dangers thereof. It is a PECULIAR ACCENT no doubt. Lots of other people travelling alone going to see relatives too - so I may meet more. I'm taking it easy now and soon will be changing for dinner every night and spraying my hair I expect.

Have just read a thriller - and must go to the library.

It is all enormously exciting - and flat calm.

Do hope you are all well - and also having nice weather. Not over-doing it. Everyone should get a letter from me from Cape Town.

My cabin mates are most amusing. The two young girls are always changing either skirts, swim suits - washing, making ups or HAIR SPRAYING!! WHEW!!

Well, so long - off to see a film now - Walk Disney, and to catch post.

Much love from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Tuesday 28th April 1964 - SS Northern Star
Arrive Las Palmas. Miller & Co, Apartado 12, Las Palmas, Canary Islands. Spent the morning sketching on the bridge. Lunch. Bought some things, sent postcards. Watched spanish dancing. Lovely sunny day. Sent post cards to Mum, Dad, Boys, Bo, Danny, Shilly, Lily, Mrs Ronald.

Wednesday 29th April 1964 - SS Northern Star
Depart Las Palmas, Canary Islands, 6pm. Had boat drill, also deck quoits, knocked out. Slept all afternoon. Played whist - quite amusing.

Wednesday 29 April
The Scotsman

Company Notice
Excess Insurance Company Limited.
Mr.C.T.Gould's Statement

The annual general meeting of Excess Insurance Company Limited well be held on May 21 in London.

The following is the Statement of the Chairman, Mr.C.T.Gould, circulated with the Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st December 1963

First of all I would like to pay tribute to Mr.H.G.Jago who was appointed General Manager of the Company in January 1963. It has been a far from easy period and I congratulate him on the results of an excellent first year in that capacity.

The Profit and Loss Account this year shows the result of the 1961 Underwriting Account and as I anticipated in my statement last year, the claims ratio was about 2½ per cent, worse than the previous year, but due to a 10 per cent increase of premium income, the final balance of the 1961 Account is almost identical with that of the 1960 Account, 1962 and 1963, both show a most satisfactory increase of premium income, 1962 premiums being 10 per cent up on 1961 and 1963 premiums being 8 per cent up on 1962.

However, our results are no exception to the generally less favourable claims experience of these two years.
All of you will have read of mounting fire losses and of bad experience in motor business due to the severe winters of 1961-62 and particularly 1962-63. I expect claims ratio on both 1962 and 1963 to be about 5 to 6 per cent worse than 1961. Thus underwriting remains profitable but at a level well below that of the two previous outstanding good years.

Underwriting Reserves.
Claims paid on closed Underwriting Accounts and charged to Underwriting Reserve Account during 1963 amounted to £848,374, this amount being £53,039 less than the comparative claims paid in 1962. We have transferred from Profit and Loss Account to Underwriting Reserve Account this year £1,000,000, so that the balance of the account carried forward now stands at £2,247,519 thus maintaining the strong position of a year ago. It naturally follows that a progressive increase of premium income must be matched by a similar increase in the Underwriting Reserves.

Once again, I am pleased to report a substantial increase of Interest and Dividends received. The amount received in 1963 of £513,395 is £52,941 or 11 per cent more than the previous year. Your directors recommend a Final Dividend of 20 per cent which with the Interim Dividend paid in October last makes a total for the year of 30 per cent., the same as last year. The sum of £75,000 has been transferred to General Reserve making a total of £883,442.

In conclusion I am very conscious of the loyal and devoted support I have received not only from my colleagues on the Board and our Underwriters but also from all members of the Staff. We have a young and vigorous team which promises well for the future.

Wednesday, 29th April 1964
from Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, SS Northern Star, en route to Cape Town
to Capt. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Ma and Pa,

Well, I thought its about time to contact you again. As it can't be posted till Friday week, I'll do a bit each day, and lets hope i will be worth reading.

Well, here I am in a super "writing room" with deep blue chairs, and deep green carpet, with nice little alcoves for each person - here and there are dotted concentrating people - a deathly hush prevails. The whole thing really is a bit of a joke - like a huge, so far very well behaved, Butlin's camp floating down to New Zealand.

When there are nearly 2,000 of us passengers (200 or so children) and about 500 crew to start with, so one is constantly meeting strangers.

Tuesday last we were at the Canary Islands - but I did not go ashore - sat on top deck and tried sketching the harbour (pencil). This was a peaceful way of spending the morning, then what with getting our postcards and a few oddments from vendors and then I took our elderly cabin mate up the deck and we took our seats, and in no time some Spanish dancers came to entertain us with a band of guitarists.

This was most picturesque - their costumes quite different from any that I had seen. Then we moved out of the harbour which was big. Skyscrapers everywhere, and dark dusty looking hills in the distance - peaks hidden by clouds. We were told there was a hidden old volcano (not working) there. We gathered that four of the crew deserted there, one got himself in gaol - so that was the end of him!

We have two large dining rooms, and the food is not at all bad. My table companions consist of two men - one from Liverpool with wife and two children on board. He, I believe, works in John Lewis's and has been in New Zealand and Aussie before. Quite a pleasant person, youngish and with a normal sense of humour. The other is a younger, sly little fellow aged about 22 I should think. Glaswegian with a broad accent. I gather he has a wife too somewhere.

That's all rather dull really, perhaps we will get someone else - there was a very elderly gent there as well eating fish solidly on Friday night, but he was so shaken when he heard me asking for a cup of tea that he never re-appeared. Actually I discovered that he is a retired Captain who has gone to the Captain's table, wherever that is!!

The ship is air conditioned, which means that it is pleasantly cool - and very even temperature always below deck - actually its lovely, hot and sunny and about 75 degrees outside today.

We passed Cape Verde this morning - near Dakar apparently, and saw some rocks sticking up and a distant island. There is a flat calm at the moment with a slight swell. The barometer is supposed to be falling but for no very bad reason, we have been told.

We are continually being regimented here, there and everywhere - deck quoits, this, and the other. I've been knocked out of both deck quoits and table tennis so far!

BUT for a joke, the elderly Miss Wood and I decided to go to the whist drive last night. This was most amusing - all the old ones and some very bossy New Zealanders (women) (How I can imagine them being snooty to anyone they do not take to!).

All the time I am completely surrounded by New Zealand accents - and also Scottish - but what grates is the preponderance of north country women talking like certain B's we know. So I am sure that I'll be talking a bit like them by the time I get to Wellington.

Everyone says how insular they are if with the Aussies - also how particular. (So far actually I do not seem to have met many Aussies at all). There are a few South Africans and people with mixed accents. Most attractive looking girl of about 30 - (really good looking type) with her little girl who was rather sick.

cont.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Thursday 30th April 1964 - SS Northern Star
The days are going gradually, Knocked out of table tennis. Slept in deck chairs. Wrote some more of letters. Ironed clothes. Had tea with Mrs Marshall - rather nice. They went to the films - I did not. Read "Ring of Bright Water."

Friday 1st May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Good day. Played deck tennis with a good looking blue eyed black hair Scotchman called Charlie. We won first match, but failed in second. Very hot. Had shower. Slept in afternoon.

Saturday 2nd May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Fairly hot day, but heavy rain a lot of the time. Sat inside and wrote letter to Jimmy. New book - about Simon de Montfort. After lunch watched the Crossing of the Line Ceremony. Quite funny. Listened to Elgar's Sea music. Miss Woods went to the Whist drive.
Memoranda - Write Danny, Mrs Robbins, Mrs Ronald, Na Cod P.C., David P.C., Ros, Jimmy P.C., Enit J, Shilly. Mum & Dad. Joyce Padwick. Scottie (Sydney), Mary Cake. Brinkworths. Grace and Bee. The Charltons. Frasers. Greenaways. Hodson, Mrs Johnson. Boys and Bo. Mrs Kennard. Nora Palmer. Joe Palmer. Marjorie Boultrop. Mrs Commerton. Miss Mac.

Letter continued on Saturday 2nd May

from Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, SS Northern Star, en route to Cape Town
to Capt. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Today it is extremely hot, and humid and also wet, when I went up on deck just now. Humidity 92% - and we cross, or are crossing the equator. There is a ceremony for the children this afternoon, but it won't be much fun if its still raining!!

Yesterday was a bit sunnier, though very hot. After breakfast at 8am (me, mind you! but the reason is a desire to improve my conduct and get up earlier - so I put myself down for early breakfast at 8 am. Lunch 12.30 and supper 6pm!)

At 10am for about 1 hour and a quarter I played deck tennis in the competition - my partner - a huge burly looking Scotchman with black hair and blue eyes called "Charlie" was quite a good partner - we won the first set, but were knocked out by the second two who didn't care how they chucked the rubber ring over the net.

After this a mass of soaking humanity went and had a cup of tea and then a shower. As one imbibed in a huge luxurious lounge - an orchestra (composed of sailors) plays quite good tunes. Then, after quite a good lunch, cold ham, salad, pickled and new onions - sago pudding, bun and cheese and coffee - I went and had a "kip," the word one of our cabin mates used for a sleep!

Four o'clock I was up again and having a cuppa with our eldest companion. We then resort to the forward lounge again - where we read and listened to very good recordings of Mozart's Sonatas.

We stayed there reading till 6p.m. I found that book which we've got, "Ring of Bright Water," and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It is very interesting reading about how he looked after all those pets - and how he fed them - and how they liked their routine to be regular. I could not help thinking of Daddy and the ducks and geese. But fancy getting live eals sent all the way from London every day for a pet otter who lived in Scotland!!

After supper Miss Wood and I walked around the deck for some fresh air - it was dark at 7pm last night.
Earlier in the day I had been right up to the top of the ship, where I did get a good breeze. And so the time is going on - today week we will have just left Cape Town. This we have already had pamphlets about - and the thousands of different things one can do - and things to see.

One can pay enormous prices to do bus and taxi trips, but I hope to find someone who would like to walk. I gather there is an artist on board painting in oils.

There is a ship's hostess, a most attractive little person, who is always ready to help - and I hope to contact her this morning.

One day we had a very good film called "The Incredible Journey" - all about two dogs and a cat who travelled 200 miles across Canada after their master. All in colour, it was quite attractive. The other film about gun shooting and Frank Sinatra I did not go to, some people said it was awful.

So really this is a wonderful, luxurious holiday I'm taking. Our cabin mates are MIss Wood, a delightful tiny little white haired old lady who has lived in America (near San Francisco) for forty years and is travelling round the world - a quaker. Then Pauline (Hammond? Armark?), a very pretty girl of about 27, travelling on her own to New Zealand to marry a New Zealander. She spends most nights up and comes back between 1am and 3am, and what she gets up to is nobody's business - she is very sweet, but at first had not a clue about some of the things on a ship, so we have told her.

The next one is Elizabeth Handyman who sleeps under me - she is from Glasgow and only 15, travelling with her parents (in a different cabin) and is a very jolly hopelessly untidy girl (worse than me, if that's possible!).

I hope to do some painting when I can procure something to carry the water about in. This really is so big a ship that one hardly knows many, and there are so many decks and deck space - and one is allowed to go nearly everywhere.

Oh, I discovered last night that my little Glaswegian who sits opposite me in the dining room is a carpenter by trade - joiner, going he says, where the money is - and builds houses. He told me how they make that plastic that looks like wood - photograph the picture of wood on to it.

Must stop for a bit now and write to Danny I think next! (If you think this letter would amuse her, perhaps it would be worth sending on!).

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . .

Sunday 3rd May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Good day. Morning service. Quiz in the evening. Quite fun. Did not win.

Letter continued following Monday night, 4th May.

from Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, SS Northern Star, en route to Cape Town
to Capt. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Last Saturday we had a most interesting ceremony of crossing the line - Father Neptune with very green face and his extremely fat consort with an enormous quantity of lipstick and eye shadow on. Also their attendants. There were six or eight culprits who had committed various sins who were ducked. With a band playing beside them. It rained all morning but luckily cleared up for the ceremony. The next day it was better, and has been lovely and sunny today.

We have also had the children's fancy dress competition today, and they decorated the dining-room to look like Aladdin's cave - or Christmas-come-again.

Last night we had a quiz, this was quite amusing - our group did not win!

We also had a most amusing time one evening playing whist. This I quite enjoyed - and had some real good laughs!

And so the party goes on, or so it seems. I'm sure I will get fat - as we are inclined to eat a lot and not have very much exercise. The Marks & Spencers blouse Mummy which you got me at the jumble sale is one of the most successful things I've got - so cool to wear - it will do me fine. We are supposed to change for dinner, but I'm afraid I do not.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Monday 4th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Not so stiff. Fine day. Knocked out of double quoits, with man with beard. Read in lounge. Drew Miss Wodd in afternoon. New Zealand documentary in evening.

Tuesday 5th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Women's House 2.30pm. Woke with sore throat.Very clear day but a bit cooler than usual. Felt very tired - not enough fresh air? Played ping pong. After lunch went to sleep through Women's Hour. Opposite neighbour's mother-in-law sitting at our table. Went to a rather sexy film after supper. "The Thrill of it All." with Doris Day.

Letter continues. . .

Tuesday, 5th May.

from Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, SS Northern Star, en route to Cape Town
to Capt. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Well, many congratulations on another wedding anniversary. Its a lovely sunny day here, blue skies and a bit colder, but better than that heavy weather. We are told it will get colder now as we get into the stream of cold water, coming round the Cape of Good Hope.

We saw a New Zealand documentary film last night about the land of the pumice - and where they have reclaimed it. I'm not sure if it's where I will be or not, as it was not too clear which island it referred to.

We are having a women's hour discussion this afternoon about our visit to Cape Town, to give us a few tips.

I shall, I think, get the transistor from the ship's shop, as they have some good ones, and I shall be less likely to be diddled.

I have got through (nearly) three books. "Ring of Bright Water," Simon de Montford - all about the beginning of parliament, and am now reading Hugh Foot's autobiography "A Start in Freedom." A new book out this year, it is most interesting, all about Cyprus and things like that.

Yesterday I sat in the lounge in the afternoon and drew a pencil drawing of my little friend Miss Woods. A tug-of-war on the top deck was quite interesting this morning and funny to watch.

I usually play table tennis for about an hour after breakfast.

Tomorrow night we are going to have a "Landfall Dinner," so I suppose I'll have to change for that! One day we are going to have a tour of the kitchens which will be interesting. No more news for now.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Wednesday 6th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Lovely fine day. Started with table tennis. Then sat in sun and sketched girl. After lunch played quoits with Elizabeth. Went to a very good talk on South Africa. And a good handfull(?) dinner. Rhine gold wine, Australian. Went to bed afterwards.

Letter continued, 6th May

from Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, SS Northern Star, en route to Cape Town
to Capt. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Another lovely sunny day. After breakfast at 8.am I was off to play table tennis with a lady who sits at my table. Elderly, he is 80 - she 65, just came into money, but pretty steady looking, off to see their 36 year old son and daughter.

Its funny some of the tales these people tell, quite often correspond to J's tales of woe - with children being kidnapped by aunts - and brought up successfully - and people marrying again, this time the right one etc etc! The man got his children, rather than his money etc etc!

Then I sat out at the back part of the ship called the Tavern and painted a quick-do of a very good looking girl asleep. Unfortunately she spotted me and walked away.

After lunch I played quoits with Elizabeth Handyman - and then had a good sleep in the sun, and then went off and listened to a real talk on South Africa - trying to put it over now that Africa is so keen to improve etc: pamphlets we are reading which are quite interesting, all about this WHITE predominance idea. Actually of about 60 people who came to the lecture, only about 3 of those are going to settle in South Africa. Its no good saying South Africa is popular, its not. The men (quite young) asked if it is easy to get servants and a South African woman says yes. BUT you have to keep anything valuable locked up!! So really. Meat is half the price of English meat, and furniture is much better - and another woman said doctors are much cheaper.

We all now reading pamphlets giving out about Dr Varwood and his ideals.

Our "hostess" told us all about how the black races were just tribal people warring with each other, and if they could not settle and become farmers, they usually become servants. English people on the whole wanted to work - and they got on that way (I thought to myself - well some don't!) No more now, but every day adds interest and one gets people's ideas tumbling out.

Must get myself rigged out for the Landfall Dinner - this time will have to change and wear the grey stole, and more titivating as we are going to have a bottle of Rhingold wine to add a bit of festivity to it all.

Some of us are getting very dry throats probably from the air-conditioning (or do you think its washing up done badly? I must find out)

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Thursday 7th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Quite a good day. Talked to Ingletons. Saw Miss Pratt, not mucl luck she thinks. Listened to music in the afternoon. Also someone playing piano. Wrote letters, and sent off. Stowaway lost. Ship turned round and went back, but he turned up, and was handed over to the authorities.

Letter continued Thursday, 7th May

from Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, SS Northern Star, en route to Cape Town
to Capt. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

A great deal of excitment in the ship today as the Captain gave out "Stowaway has not been seen since 5.am this morning, so the ship is going to turn round and see if they can find him. So we did a large circle and started going back the way we had come. Then he was found on the ship after all - so all was well.

As I was watching the keep-fit class this morning, I struck up a conversation with a little elderly Welshwoman, and in no time discovered that she is returning to the Mount Egmont area where her son has a farm. Her name is Williams - she was telling me about the NZ Schools etc etc and her son's farm.

She said there were a lot of Caldwells in Stratford. Her farm was on the opposite side of Egmont from Stratford. Her name is Williams, and the family had only been there twelve years - but already their 11 year old grand-son did a lot of work etc on the farm.

Anyhow we parted, and with the remark that we hoped to meet again in New Zealand.

So you see I'm getting used to meeting all these folks, and as an awful lot of people are getting off at Wellington I shall perhaps have made a lot of friends by the time I get there.

Must stop now, and wish you a thousand hugs and all the rest of it - hope you have a wonderful supper - Love from Pat.

One man went haywire at supper last night and complained of the insolence of the stewards!! We laughed at our table, the man himself looked so dirty - Perhaps he was the stowaway. (who is now locked up quite close to us)

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Friday 8th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Arrive Cape Town. Four good letters from home. Man George. a Co.(S.A.) (PTC) Ltd. P.O. Box 702 Cape Town, South Africa. In morning wandered round the ship, and saw them doing boat drill. Then went ashore and walked in to town with Miss Wood. Caught bus, and went out to Wynberg and on to Constantic where we saw the wine growing area, conducted by a bus conductor. Back and went to the other port, where the mountain was. Beautiful night looking down on the town.

Letter - 8th May 1964
Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, SS Northern Star, Cape Town
- to Capt. the Rev. and Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

Dear Ma and Pa,

Well, many thanks for your letters which I've just read. Received one from you, Pa and one from you, Ma. Thanks for sending on about the income tax - Grand to hear all your news - I hope the weather is good.

We came in here about 7.am - At least I managed to get on deck about then and the whole place was a lovely deep blue with lights twinkling everywhere on tugs and the distant mountains just showing with a crescent moon above. Then the dawn just starting. Then went round the other side and saw Table Mountain and all the Skyscrapers and things in the foreground.

Gradually it came light and the temperature seems quite warm and normal.

Then we had breakfast and then collected your letters and changed some money into Rands and cents.

Now I'm just waiting for Miss Woods as she is at breakfast and probably will go ashore with her, and have a look round.

I sent off a fat letter to you yesterday - really all about nothing - and lots of postcards to everyone. Really the most interesting part was about meeting Mrs Williams who has her farm on Mt.Egmont and about "Caldwell" being a common name in Stratford, and how she knew someone called Keith Caldwell!! etc etc.

No more news now, but will continue when I've been somewhere else, and when there's something to report.

Continued next Morning....

Well, thank you for your other two letters, full of everything. Fancy Mrs B. thinking D. has let C. astray!!

Yesterday, after lunch Miss Woods and I had quite an adventure. We walked off towards the terrific skyscrapery Cape Town. Caught a bus and were taken out to where all the black people live and to Constantia where they grow the wine. We were surrounded by all the little black children coming back from school - and saw also a black man's funeral, a muslim cemetary, a chicken farm which was normal - and a very courtly bus conductor (dressed like a soldier) who acted as our guide quite without being asked. It was a bit obvious only a few seats being allowed for blacks downstairs.

Then in the evening we went on a bus trip up part of Table Mountain and saw a wonderful array of lights stretched out below us.

I was dead beat on arrival back, but it was worth it. Love to the dogs and Lily and Ros when you see her.
Lots of love, from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

./Northern_Star_-_Cape_Town_1780559293702

Saturday 9th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
SS Northern Star at Cape Town

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Saturday 9th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Depart Cape Town - left midday. Went ashore for a bit and bought apples, post cards etc. Sailed at 12 mid. Very wet as we got outside the harbour. Slept all the afternoon. Went to bed early. - Memoranda - Change £10 note. Toothpaste. Paper hankies. Baggage room. See Miss Pratt (no good) Finished letters. Transistor. Money out of purser's office. (£10) Embroidery set, iron.

Sunday 10th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Felt a bit dizzy still. Went to11am service without Miss Wood. Then sat in lounge and talked to Mr Ingleton about house decorating. After lunch rested. Also after supper. Went to bed early. Wrote some letters to Mum and Daddy.

Letter - Sunday, 10th May 1964
Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, Passenger, SS Northern Star to New Zealand
to Captain and Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, Dorset, England

Travelling towards Durban, South Africa, sitting on Sunny side of deck. Temp 63°F rising

Dear All,

Well, I missed sending you the one I wrote in Cape Town to thank you for the four letters I received from you. It seems absolutely centuries since we left Southampton. A whole lot of new people arrived on board at Cape Town. It was a lovely day and as we came in and for the whole of the day Table Mountain was free of its "Table Cloth" as they call it (the white cloud which covers it periodically)

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

period as I had to get up and move - and elderly, much made up woman was sitting beside me and smoking and the smoke was blowing straight into my face!!

In the morning nothing much was done as my friend thought that her friend was meeting her at Cape Town - in the end she did not. So we watched the crew do boat drill and get the boats up and down. (they are always practicing this which is, no doubt, a good thing - as people are very careless with their cigarettes) There was a slight fire, when someone dropped a cigarette into a drawer of clothes, and could not find the cigarette, so what do you think! - they left it. Thus, it was found when the dressing table was on fire. Luckily one of the passengers went and broke a glass thing and pressed the button - and all was well.

Actually, there don't seem so many smokers about. Where I did see a lot of pipe smokers, was on the dockside when the dock labourers were working (black men).

After lunch we set off on foot to walk into Cape Town. Just across the tarmac of the dockside and then on to some sandy scrub-like ground till we came straight into the largest skycraper (I mean the tallest) in Africa. All round the top the latest news was proclaimed going round and round in neon lettering. Mostly it consited of "Gen. de Gaulle gives first interview since operation, or some film star does world tour starting in Honolulu."

Then we went on straight down the main road with great square blocks on either side of us. A statue of Joachim Van Mescham (Plettenburg?) in quaker clothes looked quite small against these, and also a war memorial to the first and second war dead. Then we took our life in our hands and got on to a double decker bus. We took our life in our hands alright as it moved off while I was getting on and landed old Miss Woods nearly in the gutter. However, we laughed it off, even though she grazed her knee.

Then off we went to the native quarter quite by mistake!! Surrounded by all the little black children coming out of school, we took the advice of another helpful South Africaner and went to a place called "Constantia" (I think I sent you a postcard of this). We didn't actually see that house, but the area looked quite nice - where they grow all the wine. A most polite bus conductor dressed in khaki told us about the area. In fact a conducted tour might have been less interesting. We saw a black man's funeral - a muslim cemetary - a chicken farm and some lovely flowers in garden. Towering mountains in the background.

Love Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Monday 11th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Arrived Durban. Mary S. John T,Rennie & Sons (Pty) Ltd. P.O Box 1006, Durban,South Africa. Left early (9am) on journey into 1000 hills with Miss Wood. Had lunch in mountains (Ben's Den). Saw lots of Zulu children - asking for pennies. Back 5.30pm. Had (granny?) headache - went straight to bed.

Tuesday 12th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Leave Durban 6am. Swaying about a bit. No table tennis. Wrote to Lily. Sat and talked to Ingletons. Particular!!!! New person at the table. Slept all afternoon. Good Disney film - "Sword in the Stone." Clocks forward one hour.

Wednesday 13th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Played table tennis with Mrs Archer. Then deck quoits. Knocked out. Watched the keep fit. Sat in the sun till lunch time. After lunch, rested and the went to the Women's Hour. There we had talk of Africa and then from McKeown the All Black. McKewan (should be) Then one about Isreal. Had tea. Finished sketch (not bad). After supper - whist drive, which was peculiar!!

13th May 1964
Miss Pat Heath-Caldwell, SS Northern Star - after Durban, South Africa
To Capt. the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

Started May 13th,

Left Durban the day before yesterday, 6.am, when we've come about 452 + 25 miles.

Dear Ma and Pa,

Many thanks for your letters from Durban - it certainly doesn't sound as if you have got summer round the corner yet. Glad to hear all the news.

Well, time is getting on here, and three weeks today I should be firmly on dry land again. The weather today is again lovely and sunny, and certainly we do seem most fortunate in this. It rocked a bit in the night, but nothing very much really.

At Durban I went on a long journey inland for a day starting at 9.am and getting back about 5.30.pm. It was a long day, and one does literally wobble about and go on some hair raising drives; however, I've decided it was really worth it.

The journey was to a place called The Valley of a Thousand Hills. Indeed it seemed to go on for ages, but I'm told we only went in to the inland about twenty five to thirty miles. All the hills seemed very much the same and reminded me of the miles of flat bushland in Australia, with the same kind of trees - gums amongst others. Also plenty of the bright red flowers, unfortunately I can't remember what they are called, but they're very common in Queensland. Jacaranda and Bougainvillea etc.

We went up to great heights and eventually stopped at a house in the high parts where there was the inevitable private zoo. (It seemed silly right in the middle of all that country). There are no wild animals we gathered, in any of this place - all been killed by the natives (or white people).

We watched a small tribe of Zulus doing their dance here. When I say tribe - there was its leader - a man of 65, with a lot of young girls and an older woman and two small boys (these latter did the twist magnificently I thought!). He was the father and evidently he had eight wives and thirty eight grandchildren!! I think all the girls were his daughters - but they might easily have been his wives.

Then we watched them making bread and then went inside their KRAAL. I must say they looked like a healthy looking little crowd - good teeth - good shaped heads - but it did make them look a little silly dancing for us, as I'm afraid we were rather an unreceptive audience. I mean very little enthusiasm - you know the English!!!!!!!

Then we went and had lunch and wandered round and looked at all the animals - it was fearfully hot and stuffy.

On the way back we saw the Nagle Dam which supplies Durban. Then we eventually reached the dock again - and after supper I did an early bed that day.

At Durban I also had a letter from my two friends in South Island (Dunedin - pretty cold I should think!). They were in the cabin when I came over last time and are school teachers. They have a bed for me and want me to come and see them, so I shall go probably later on when I've got some plans made, and when I've seen Jimmy.

I've finished my book about Freedom by Sir Hugh Foot - you certainly ought to read that one if you get the chance. "A Start in Freedom," or something. Somebody wanted it after me, and said he was such a grand man. (A Scotchman on board - who has a crippled wife). Now I have another new one out - Autobiography of the Pakenham Earl of Longford (an R.C. socialist). "Five Lives." This is about a different subject, politics - but is quite interesting to read, especially about all the Labour politicians. Also only just printed this year.

We have the fancy dress party on Saturday - also a concert some time. The thing is there are so many people, one does not get the time to know hardly anyone individually. You know that rather odd Television actor, Peter Sellis - he often does criminal parts and queer parts. A round faced little fellow - well there is a man on board just like him to look at. However, he is very quiet looking, and I should think is a queer character, although my cabin mate - says he is a Greek! (This may be why he is so queer)

Today, I'm sitting out in the sun in the bows of the ship, and probably this afternoon I will go and get that transistor. It is a most soothing sound, the noise of the waves as we go through them - very conducive to slumber, actually I'm only just keeping awake.

My two Australian friends who I knew before are doing a round the world trip, they live right in the middle of Bournemouth - and will be back there by August. I've not seen Miss Williams from Mount Egmont again! Just shows what a big ship this is.

We had an Australian woman at our table, but I think she was so astonished when she saw the Scotchman, that she said she would have to go somewhere else.

Apparently people who live in Durban can have quite a lot of servants if they pay the men £5 a week - feed and clothe them and the women £3.10s a week and house them.They also have to have a night watchman walking around the house all night to make sure they are not murdured! Can't be very nice, I should not have thought.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Miss Pat Heath-Caldwell, SS Northern Star - after Durban, South Africa
To Capt. the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

Thursday 14th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Stared wet for a bit. Playing ping pong. Very wet. Rested after lunch and most of the afternoon. Wrote to Lois. "Five Lives" by Frank Packenham, Earl of Longford. 1964, Hutchinson & Co. Went to most amusing film "Stitch in Time" with Norman Wisdom. Clocks put back 1 hour.

Friday 15th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Late for breakfast as usual. 1 mile round the prom with Miss Wood. Deck tennis with someone. Beaton. Keep fit in pyjama trousers. Rested. Slept most of afternoon. Did posters after supper for fancy dress. Had another sore throat.

Friday 15 May 1964
Daily Express

Lower profits are reported this time by C.E.Heaths, whose business is insurance broking and underwriting.
Its nets £448,000 this time against last year's peak of £475,000. Payout stays at 65%

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell

Saturday 16th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Pleasant day - but cold outside. Wrote some letters. Played deck quoits and lost. Keep fit - felt exhausted. Got new book out. Slept all afternoon. Fancy Dress party at night. Frankinstein won. Elizabeth went as Chef's Suggestion. Lemon Merangue Pie. Pauline as Spirit of the Indian Ocean. Someone played a good joke on me - asked me to go to the Captains Saloon.

Letter, Saturday, 16th May 1964
From J.A.Heath-Caldwell, Rotoehu Forest, R.D.6 Te Puke, NZ
to Captain C.H. Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

Dear Pa,

Thank you for your letter. When I came here I was advised to live from day to day, and not to worry about the future. I find that at the moment I have quite enough worry day to day anyway. My physical health isn't up to much at the moment as my whole system is sluggish. I have written to the hospital to tell them about it and to ask if it mightn't be because of the largactyl drugs I'm still taking which have always made me get constipated. As it is I can't sweat without getting a sick headache and I'm sure if my system was working properly I'd at least feel fit. I very nearly returned back to the hospital after the 3rd days work - I felt so bad.

Just lately we have been high pruning with saws on the end of 16ft poles. I have not been keeping up with the others but nobody has said anything very derogatory about it.

Last Sunday I went out after deer with an 18 yr old boy who drives a grader here. He shot one stage - an 11 pointer which he practically ran into in the forest just after we had sat down for 11'ses.

There are one or two I know - but nobody talks much about anything. One young maori boy was at Tokanui and I worked in the kitchens with him at one time. The young boy who drives the grader was working on some construction job in Auckland driving some earth moving machinery only he was working 16 hours a day and he came here for a rest because he felt on the edge of a break down. Most of the men here are only temporary - oh yes - one is here on probation. They do sometimes have men who have just come out of prison too.

The weekends are worst as there is absolutely nothing to do. When I get a rifle - if I do - I shall be able to go out and shoot but that is the only thing to do. I shall also join the county library next Friday after pay day when the fortnightly bus runs in and back.

The forest itself covers about 20,000 acres, I believe, of pine trees of all ages. It was started in the 30's during the depression. It is well roaded and is divided into blocks which are allocated weekly for hunting so that only one person with a rifle will be in any one block at a time to make things safer.

I don't think I can realistically look forward to any kind of a responsible job now because, of course, I have no references and also I and nobody else knows when I shall go mad again. It does seem that any responsibility and worry does it. In any case at the present time my physical health is not in good shape, and even the job here is not pleasant. At one time I would have enjoyed it for a short time but, of course, I'm getting older too.

The hospital social services try to place people suitably and help them but there aren't many people with my background that come their way and I'm just one of the odd men out. Martin Langdon and company - Jack Cookson - didn't help at all because I didn't know how they could help and nor did they.

You haven't any idea what I could do either and nor have I. Everybody who employs labour wants to get their money's worth and I'm afraid with myself they could never be quite certain. In any case I know absolutely no one who could help or who feels philanthropic - not many people do feel like that, you know, its all a rat race

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell

Sunday 17th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Service at 10.30am. Then went to lounge and had some music (very poor). Did some reading with Miss Wood. Slept most of the afternoon. Walked round deck. Quiz in the evening.

Monday 18th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Good day. Did lot of letter writing in the morning. Slept all afternoon. Concert in the evening. One passenger off his head.

Letter to her parents continues

Continued Monday 18th May

We had another quiet day, yesterday with the usual Sunday service at 10.30.am. It didn't seem at all like the usual Whit Sunday, this I suppose was to be expected.

I slept most of the afternoon and then went for a stretch round the deck before supper. I seem to sleep like a log every afternoon, much better than at night. This may be partly because every night we usually get up either half an hour, three quarters of an hour or one hour earlier than usual so that the clocks will be right by the time we get to New Zealand; or it may be because one of our cabin mates regularly spends every night up and has been in bed twice only before 12 midnight since we started the voyage. Apart from this she is quite attractive, and certainly creeps in very quietly each time she does it.
On Tuesday night we have to go to the Captain's Cocktail party - apparently he gets bored with drinking but goes on doing it!

The fancy dress went off well, the two chaps at my table dressed up as Frankinstein - one on the other one's shoulders, and did it quite well - at least everyone was horrified.

Tonight we have the concert - and on Thursday (at last) we reach Freemantle. There was quite a sway in the night, and when I heard a terrific bump - "Well, I thought, that's the end, we probably go down now!"
However, it must have been the steward bringing in the tray (of rather ghastly ship's tea), because what seemed like hours later I heard little Miss Wood saying, "There's you tea." As she is in the bottom bunk she has the job of waking everyone up, and this she does quite willingly every morning so far.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Tuesday 19th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Pleasant day. Walked on decks in the morning. Library, Cashed money 20. After lunch Women's Hour - Exhibition of things. Mr Stewart - Chief Engineer talked. Also Mrs Earle - Salvation Army officer who had been in Rhodesia 10 years. Captain's cocktail party and landfall dinner - quite fun.

Wednesday 20th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Good day.Got cards for Freemantle. Slept in the afternoon. Walked round deck before supper. TV afterwards - bad.

Letter continues.

Continued Wednesday May 20th.

Well, my letter will end soon, as we reach Freemantle tomorrow, and our letters have to be posted by 5pm.

I have written to J. to find out if there's anywhere that I can stay up near him. If its the place where the hot springs are there must be somewhere, as I really don't intend to spend all my time at Jack's, although it would be a good headquarters to go and see any lawyers or anyone (if this appears necessary to be done).

We had the Captain's cocktail party last night, that is our section of it! It was held in the "Tavern," the department where the drinking gets done!! Actually rather an attractive place - panelled with wood - and I should say, real wood. I must ask the little Scot who sits at our table who is going out to be a carpenter in Wellington, because a lot of the walls in the ship are sort of plastic with the grain of the wood photographed on.

Today we had a "so called" medical inspection. Great notices given out in our cabin and over the loudspeakers about showing our forearms and our foreheads! And then to have cards given to us. I never once saw the doctor or a doctor and no one inspected us - we were just given cards. A mere formality I suppose.

I don't like admitting it, but it would have saved a great deal of time to have gone by air.

On the other hand the transition period between one country and another is interesting and I would not have missed Africa for all the tea in China. Also, one again realises that one is one of the thousands who have relatives in New Zealand, sons or daughters, and so on, and though one does not so much hear the tale of woe - there must be many problems only just below the surface.

Sitting in the lounge during the first part of the voyage I sat close by some very loud-spoken woman (can't remember which country she came from) and really the conversation with a few alterations could have been almost about J. and D. But one sometimes gets to a stage of hearing one's own problems aired by other people, or perhaps its my imagination at work again!

We had a most interesting woman's hour yesterday - first of all an exhibition of our work.(Well, I thought this meant, work we had actually done on board). Anyhow, it consisted of four pictures I had done, one from top of the ship, and a feeble effort at a sunset by me, and three semi-portraits. The other people's were handmade things, which some of them had made while at home.

Then the chief engineer came and talked - he was an elderly man from Glasgow. He told us all about how they make the water in the ship, (that is excellent), and how every ship had air conditioning, and once you got used to it you were alright. (You can get a cold if you come in from the heat, and do not put sufficient warm clothes on).

Yes, Mummy, have you thought about air conditioning the Pound House?! Or perhaps the thatch does that sufficiently. All the refrigerators they have to have in the ship to keep the foods and milk and drinks at different suitable temperatures.

Well, bye bye for now,
Love Pat.
Love to Twinkle and Danny.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Thursday 21st May 1964 - SS Northern Star - Freemantle.
Arrived a.m. Fremantle. Shaw Saville Line. P.O. Box A.13 Perth, Australia. Good day. Miss Wood went off with friends. I went by bus to Perth with another strange woman, but quite enjoyed it. Took ticket in sweep. After supper introduced Miss Wood to the Ingletons in "the Morgue." Leave Freemantle 5pm.

Friday 22nd May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Felt rather tired. Walked round decks. Rested as had headache. After lunch played quoits, table tennis and ping pong with Mrs Archer. Rested rest of day, stayed upstairs for supper. Northwet Passage is good.

Saturday 23rd May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Felt better. Went to keep fit and wrote several letters. Fire drill for crew in the afternoon. Whist drive in the evening - one woman cheated very well.
Memoranda - Purser £30. Embroidery. Air letters 68. Change money. Buy in Melbourne 6 prs stockings - Enid. Scuffs Anne Fraser. Pres; for Scottie, also Norah. Tell Jack C. about All Black aboard B. McEwan.

Letter - Saturday, 23th May 1964
Miss Pat Heath-Caldwell, on SS Northern Star - near Melbourne
to Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, UK
on S.S. "Northern Star," going towards Melbourne, crossing the Great Australian Bight.

Dear Ma and Pa,

Thank you for your epistles arrived safely at Fremantle. Glad my letters have amused you, and hope they continue to do so - if they serve another useful purpose! Its the one thing I have to do, and is quite fun and a good thing to have a duty to do besides getting up in the morning and propelling oneself in and out of the dining room.

I have now got to the stage of becoming so fond of the ship and used to the sway, that when I go ashore and have a lovely time, it takes me a whole day to rest and settle down to ship life again! No wonder sailors are so queer! (or - -- - ).

We were in Perth, Western Australia the day before yesterday and are now crossing the Great Australian Bight - noted for its roughness. However, this ship is so large and well balanced that we have not had it bad, and they have the 'stabilisers' out today which keeps us from rolling.

There are pretty big rollers out, but not quite so big a the ones we had in the Mediterranean coming back on the S.S. Orcades, certainly in this ship it is amazingly balanced, and one could almost say that we have had a flat crossing.

However, I do not think that any of us will be sorry to reach Wellington. Certainly one gets used to the faces of one's fellow passengers - even if one never speaks, nor they to you. There are quite a lot of old chaps, one or two with two sticks - in fact quite a large proportion of elderly folk - and as there are lifts - they don't need to go up the stairs.

In fact, if it didn't take quite so much time I could quite easily see you two doing this trip, and what's more, enjoying it. However, the two long bits - Las Palmas to Cape Town (10 days, approx 4,000 miles) and Durban to Fremantle (another 10 days 4,000 miles) were a bit long, in spite of us being so well organised, and also well behaved. (- behaviours of all is astonishingly good, especially when one thinks what goes on at home, or is it that we just don't have any newspapers - and only a sheet of news, and thus are not able to concentrate on all the bad things that happen.

I mean we soon got over the excitement of turning the ship round and starting sailing back to England when it was suspected that the stowaway had gone overboard, also someone went off his head between Cape Town and Fremantle, and there is another woman in a bad way with excessive seasickness in the hospital.

Meanwhile, I still haven't got over the thrill it gave me stepping ashore on Australian ground once more. (I have started talking across between Dorset, Australia and New Zealand).

It was a perfect day - like it was last time I got there - blue skies. Yesterday I felt very exhausted, so went to bed with another good book I've got out of the library - "North West Passage," by Kenneth Roberts - this is an adventure story which we've got, and I'd never read it before - and also missed out luckily on a rather putrid film - American of course, which they had in the cinema.

Today, I have several letters I must reply to as I've heard from Norah Palmer, who can't get down to meet me. BUT Joe (now aged between 16 and 19 I imagine) is going to entertain me in Sydney - he works as a clerk in a firm there and will be able to see the ship coming in! So I think I shall do it properly and ask him to dinner here on the first night and take him round the ship!

Also, had a letter from another Sydneyite, one of my cabin mates coming back from there last time, another Mrs Scott whose sister I met in Edinburgh - we have corresponded ever since and she is awfully nice.

So I shall probably spend a day with her, and if I hear from the Barthropps, perhaps an hour or two or more or a day with them - who knows.

We spend two days and a half at Sydney - arriving Thursday morning and leaving Saturday morning. Then I've heard from Mrs Ronald's daughter, whom I'm taking the plate to, and she also will see the ship come in, and will, she says, have a reception committee of herself, and three children to come on board to meet me, and that her home is at my disposal while I'm in Melbourne.

So one really feels that I'm in for a really BUSY time next week, and then in no time it will be the weekend before Wellington and the three cabin mates and I will be queuing up to get our suitcases packed ready to go ashore for good!

Today, I hope to tackle the keep fit class again, bit I found myself very stiff, but all the better for two classes I did last week.

Back to impressions of Fremantle last Thursday. On arriving at the quayside - we saw a large glass covered palace with "Welcome to Western Australia" on it. This was a change from last time when there was nothing much - just a rough looking wharfside. Evidently this was built for the Olympics in 1960.

Talk about the Olympics - has the world gone "Sports mad."? My Liverpudlian friend (at table) and I laugh about it. Especially the South Africans - every kind of male stacks about in a blazer with a crest on it - like an overgrown school boy. Most of the time all their play is most unsportsmanlike too and as for last week's whist drive - really - the old women particularly were so fussy.

I'm rather wondering if I will go in for it tonight or not!! Apparently one South African is driving his wife nearly mad when the English cricket team beat his, twice running, by one run!!

I took the usual bus trip we did before and had some lovely views of the huge Swan River with Perth stretched out before us, and all the attractive gardens and little bungalows with their pretty rooves.

Another woman and I had a snack at a lunch bar in the big central shop - Davey Jones. A glass of iced coffee was simply delicious - with really decent milk again. (I'm afraid ship's tea is rather putting me off that beverage)

We went round the beautiful Perth University - and I took great interest in some aboriginal paintings not noticed by me last time. This university is the only one in the world which you don't have to pay to go to, perhaps they decide by merit only.

The day soon went, and we were back on the ship again. As we steamed out of the harbour there was a lovely sunset and the sea flat calm, and one could see the moon and the evening star in different parts of the heavens.

The usual heart-rending scenes as the coloured streamers broke at the side of the vessel as the ship moved off, leaving a crowd of people waving and waving white handkerchiefs; especially did we wave at two young men who had travelled with us from Southampton - one about 6ft 8 inches tall with auburn hair and quite thin, had done a good ventriloquist act with a real girl as his doll at the concert, and the other, fatter and shorter, had sung us some songs accompanied on is guitar.

Thanks for the letter about the puppy show. I think it looks as if they want us to return that pewter mug - but I must read the letter again to make sure.

Glad to have J's address - anyhow his wood job will be a change - which, they say, is as good as a holiday sometimes. To my mind the fact that he has good food and reasonably clean living conditions is the chief thing - for whoever in this world enjoyed a new job in the first week?

I'm rather relieved about the Transistor, as I left it too late to get a good one here, and did not feel in the mood for going ashore at the Canary Islands, where I believe they were really cheap.

Thanks for putting the box in the bank, ma, its a relief not to have anything too valuable to worry about, and I wouldn't want to look too much like some of the stage duchesses one see aboard this ship. The amount of elderly women who plaster on the powder, dip their faces in the flour bin, and over accentuate their hideous mouths, and then with dark glasses to complete the picture - there aren't many people here who are worth painting anyhow! !

Of course, there are the different types, and believe you me there is one not unlike our Lil, only before she had her hair cut off, she is also a bit thinner! Sorry to hear about the Spencer child, I hope she does well. I can quite believe your story about "the kiss of life." !!!

(continues)

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Sunday 24th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Good day. A man died last night after collapsing in the tavern. (Buried at sunset, and sea by Mr Griffiths.) Service 10.30am. Write letters. Got some posted Watched country dancing. Talked with Miss Wood about osteopath.

Letter continued - Sunday 24th May.

Now, trying madly to write thousands of letters which I owe! I wrote to the College boy, what they want is that cup back. Perhaps you could ask Lil to dig in my cupboard - I think probably its tucked away in the shelf above where the hangers are in my cupboard. (diagram) (I think the mug is here) You could send it to Nancy if you like - I'll write and tell her what's happened. Her address is - Wroughton House, Wroughton, near Swindon, Wilts, Tel Wroughton 316.

Lovely sunny day today - we reach Melbourne at 10.am tomorrow. Its going to be fun seeing all that crowd in Sydney.

I told Marjorie Barltropp in a letter today that I really had more real friends in Sydney than Cattistock - but I suppose one can hardly compare the two cities.

We had another service today - awfully dull they are - except that we did have a reading from the New Bible. Somebody died in the night, I heard at church! So must stop now. I must go and open my large box today in the baggage room and get out that handbag for Norah - Joe will be able to take it to her.

Of course I've missed out on the cigs and drink (cheap) as the prices go up directly we touched Australia, also sweets which I gather are very expensive in that country too. I hope however, to keep a large box of crystallised fruit I got in Cape Town for Jimmy. No more news - really, except I did the keep-fit exercises yesterday - which is amusing, and one feels very fit after them. We do them in full view of the bridge which gives them something to laugh at. I wear my Marks & Spencers pyjama bottoms! with the navy blue Channel Island Jersey, someone else has one too on board.

Much love from Pat.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Monday 25th May 1964 - SS Northern Star - Melbourne
Arrive Melbourne. Shaw Saville Line. P.O. Box 4309, Melbourne, Australia. Waited for Mrs Robbins - rang at 11.15am. Calls. Reached her house at 2pm. Had lovely chop and she was feeding her baby. Stayed night and slept in child's bed. Awake in the night. Husband and lodger in for supper. She liked plate and material. Slept pretty well.

Tuesday 26th May 1964 - SS Northern Star Melbourne
Woke up to the sound of children coughing. Left Mrs Robbins at 11am. Pouring rain. Went into Myers, did most of shopping there and had lunch. Back on ship 1.30pm. Another elderly man at my table - widower this time going to England. Depart

Melbourne 6pm. Early to bed.

Wednesday 27th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Cold heavy. So took aspro. Went up to the top of the ship. Came down and wrote four letters. Rested, mended cap. Whist in the evening.

Letter - 27th May 1964
From - Pat HC, Passenger on SS Northern Star
To - Capt the Rev. and Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, UK

On board S.S. "Northern Star," steaming towards Sydney.

Dear Ma and Pa,

Well, we're really nearly there now! I must say I'll be quite glad.

On arriving back from Melbourne yesterday there were two letters for me from Jimmy, all about his new place, and evidently a fit of the blues on at the moment. Doesn't sound as if there is going to be room for me at all! (26 men, some "on probation," - none! actually out of prison, yet) ha! ha!

However, I have asked him if there's anywhere I can stay near at hand! Probably his mind will start working now round towards telling me! He didn't mention Transistors - and you said he has been given one by Collin, so no doubt he won't need one. I haven't got one, but if I hear later on, I shall perhaps get one next time I come to Aussie, or at Sydney.

However, he's free of naggie women where he is - which I should think is something - and is still on Largactil, but has written to find out how much longer he need be on it - but has had no reply.

Really, if he only knew it he is in a good place - regular food, regular exercise, the best situation for getting back to normal (I should have thought). I mean he isn't somewhere where people who have not got enough to do there will always be someone thinking up bad ideas and working on their more weak minded neighbours!! He'll be free of that. Melbourne found me waiting for Mrs Robbins (Mrs Ronald's daughter) rather impatiently - but she rang to say impossible to meet ship, children all sick (with colds).

So nothing daunted - I set out complete with Mrs Ronald's parcel in my string bag (feeling like Alex Grant). As it was impossible to get a taxi - went by train - and eventually reached her attractive home on the seafront. 2½ hours later (far too long I later discovered - but it all added to the fun!) Bus would have been quicker.

A delightful young woman, rather like her father with dark eyes was found busy feeding her eight months old baby in the kitchen. Four of them, all under 4!! Ruth - with Amanda's colouring, and very intelligent for her age, lovely shaped eyes. Keith, a red head about 3. Kathy - a fair little thing, also red (really golden) head and little Tom with a wide grin. She manages all these with no phone and no car. House - a shambles - but hardly possible to be anything else - don't tell Mrs R. that bit. A nice house on the main road, but some way back.

Three black cats who I could see have the h-ll of a life.
After she had fed her baby - about 2pm we had a delicious chop, fried in breadcrumbs with vegetables, then a lovely cup of coffee. Her husband (an ex-NZ sailor - who had been to Dartmouth and chucked the navy at 22!) works long hours - leaves home 6.50.am, reaches home 7pm night.
I spent a lovely peaceful night there, and was back on ship at 2pm next day.

We left Melbourne with heaps of streamers and in darkness. Lights twinkling. Calm seas and a full moon over head.

More on next letter.
Love Pat.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Thursday 28th May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Arrive Sydney. Shaw Savill Line, P.O. Box 2697,Sydney, Australia. Up 6.15am to come in by heads. Under bridge, lovely day. Off to (Swity?) where lunch or tea. Dinner with Joe Palmer - on to Cleopatra. Very good fun. Nehru dead, flags at half mast.

./Northern_Star_-_Sydney_1780559146151

S.S. Northern Star arriving Sydney

Postcard, 29th May 1964
Miss Pat Heath-Caldwell, S.S. Northern Star, in Sydney, Australia
- to Captain & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

In Sydney.

Worth the whole journey to come through The Heads at dawn yesterday, and steam slowly up and under The Bridge.

Lovely day with the Scotts.

Then wee Joe and I had dinner and went to see a film, "Cleopatra."

Love Pat.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Friday 29th May 1964 - SS Northern Star - Sydney
Went out to the Oak Apple Day. Commonwealth Building to see Joe. Took photographs and then went in to the Botanical Gardens. Had snack with Joe and sat in sun. He left me and went on. Walked back and had the Scotts to supper, then watched Petris go by. Scotts left at 8.40pm. Letter from Miss Mac.

Letter - 29th May 1964
Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, Passenger on the S.S."Northern Star."
to Captain and Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

At Sydney. Oak - Apple Day, when King Charles II hid in the apple tree.

Dear Ma and Pa,

Well, just a line or two before I step forth into the "concrete forest" of Sydney once more. Had a simply marvellous day yesterday in spite of a streaming cold, which is worse! rather than better today. (I'm living on my honey , 1 tsp after every meal obtained at the lounge exhibition at Melbourne Town hall!)
Your news is all very thrilling, and I hope that the Attwoods visit was a success - and that Blackie and Spot are settling in.

I'm just beginning to get the holiday spirit - it has taken me ages to get going! Yesterday, the day they chose to let off the rocket at Woomera - was beautifully fine here and like our JUNE days (of course!) We got up at 6.15.am to come in by the Heads - were just through them as we (Miss Wood and I) got to the deck - It is said to be one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. By 8.am we had steamed slowly down the harbour under the Bridge and along side the Docking Quay.

Absolutely unforgettable, that hour and a half. I set off to see my friend Mrs Scott (Mrs Bartrop had written that she was off to see Anna - baby due June 4th - I could ring Adrian if I wanted - but have not had time - can't work machines - much - but I'm told it would only cost 6d) who travelled home with me last time in cabin, and whose sister gave me hospitality in Edinburgh. There I met (yesterday) her and her Aussie husband, and son - many of my age - a broken hearted widower. So his mother says - so who knows!! ha! ha!

Lunch and tea with them- sat in the sun - then went off to their bowls club - was introduced to 6 or 7 elderly brown skinned men!!

Back at 5.30.pm. Joe (Palmer) (he is a grand little chap) there - he enjoyed his dinner and then I took him all over the ship - then he suggested we go to the flics!! So we saw a good film, "CLEOPATRA." Well, worth seeing, but see in a good flickhouse because its a very good film. Back here 11.50.pm!!

Today I'm going up his skyscraper he works 17th storeys up Commonwealth Building. Right next door to the QUANTAS Airways skyscraper where Lois's sister Janet works - so I call and see her too.

./Joe_Palmer_at_Commonwealth_Building_Sydney_2_1780479791038

Letter from Lois yesterday. She and Bruce and baby fly back to Newcastle end of June, for her brother's wedding! This looks as if I'll be coming back to Aussie quicker than I thought. No more news from J. or Enid. They are mysterious. Have written to them. Joe says I can go anytime to Cross St Rectory!
So must wait till I see Jim before anything is planned.

Love Pat.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Saturday 30th May 1964 - SS Northern Star - Sydney
Depoart Sydney. Up getting ready to post letters. 9.30am. Miss MacDonald arrived on bourd, looking not a day older. Great send off with streamers. Up on deck while we sailed out of harbour - cold. Slept in afternoon. Too wet and rough for fire practice. Clocks one hour back tonight.

Memoranda - Streptils. Pres for Miss Wood. Pauline, Enid, Jim - a plain tye. Jane had brought spot a blanket - Blossom. No signs of Musgrave. "Colonial Ballads" Hugh Anderson. F.W. Cheshire. Cigarettes 200, Bottle Champagne. Embroidery. Tye for J. Baggage room. Elizabeth, Miss Wood. Write Ma, Pa. Miss Mac. Danny, Nancy.

Sunday 31st May 1964 - SS Northern Star
Quite a pleasant day, although I stayed in nearly all the time, after a walk round the deck after the service. Bought nice things at the shop. Good documentary film NZ, Australia and the Cook Islands. Clocks one hour back. No fire drill.

Letter - Sunday, 31st May 1964- Pack 1
From Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, Passenger on board S.S. 'Northern Star'
To Capt. C.H. & Mrs V.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Sunday before arrival in Wellington. (postede Monday evening, 1st June.

Dear Ma and Pa,

Well, I thought this will catch you before you hear from me what my first impressions of New Zealand are.

We are now crossing the sea between Aussie and New Zealand, it is rough outside, temperature 62°F, humidity 80, and barometer rising. We are about 480 miles from the New Zealand coast. We get there at 9.am on Tuesday - there are 500 of us getting off at Wellington!!

I am still thinking of superlatives in regard to my two and a half days stay in Sydney. The sun shone very brightly on the first few days, but it was duller yesterday.

Joe (Palmer) took me up to the top of his skyscraper and I took a snap of him up there, and then we had a small lunch in the botanic gardens, amongst the seagulls. He was going home that evening to Maitland so took the parcel of the handbag Mummy.

In the evening my two friends Mr and Mrs Scott came on board for dinner, which wasn't much, but they enjoyed it. The next day as we were to sail by 11.am, we had to be on board by 10.am. At 9.30.am my cabin mates were just finishing letters and I was going to post them, when one of my old Aussie friends, unexpectedly turned up at the cabin door, she had come 100 miles, 2 hour journey by train especially to see me, quite a thrill. So we had a quick chat and then we had the ceremony of paper streamers - never seen so many, and we set forth once more and went out under the bridge, and through the Heads and towards NZ.

Both this friend and the Scotts want me to stay with them - so I've got tons of places to go and stay at in Aussie. Apparently I shall be taken round Canberra where the Australian parliament is and the South Coast.

Now it is Sunday, and we are all thinking we shall have to start packing soon, and do last minute shopping at the shop. There is a travel agency man in the library, so I shall go in and see him and have some idea of how I could get to Stratford - independently of the Cooksons. (Not a word more from them - and I feel I must be prepared to start off on my own!!). I wrote and told them what to do if they got to the ship and could not find me - apparently there is a mad scramble at Wellington - the Steward says!

I haven't got the transistor for J. He did not mention it in his letter at all. But I'll be able to get one next time - if the one Colin gave him is no good.

As Mrs Barthrop was away with Anna - I did not see them - she told me to give him a ring but having to queue at a Telephone cooled any enthusiasm I had - and I dropped him a line and will hope to see them next time. Anna's baby is due on 4th June. (3rd one)

I have at last finished "Northwest Passage" by Dermett Roberts which I thoroughly enjoyed. No more news now, will add a bit more tomorrow before I post it at 6.30pm the evening before we arrive.

Same evening.

Rather a dull day, we've been in nearly all today, weather rather wet, and rough, but the ship does not roll. Have spent most of today returning library books and stuffing things into my trunk in the baggage room.

The evening after an excellent piece of steak - and then wine jelly (so called) we went to the flics in the cinema. An excellent selection of travel and documentary films; in fact we have been several times round New Zealand tonight by bus with the Maoris. Quite a thrill when they showed us the high street of New Plymouth, in fact it might have been Mr McCarthy walking down the street too - maybe not. Also Mt.Egmont hove into view and Lake Taupo. Caves, fishing and all the wood forests!! Then we did one of Canberra - Australia and one of the Cook Islands north of New Zealand. Then we had a documentary on the building of this ship, which was excellent.

Apparently it was the last liner that has been built in Glasgow - only launched June 1962 by Queen Mum. I realise now, what a pity it was you did not come and see it off. Its apparently got the biggest wall mural in the world at the back of the swimming pool (in mosaic) (Personally its almost too big, but one can't help feeling very proud of it).

This is its 8th voyage, and how Mrs Johnson (Travel agency) got me on I can't think.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

Monday 1st June 1964 - SS Northern Star
Busy day packing etc. Washing hair. Baby ill, ship going full speed to get it in. Washed hair in evening. Good landfall dinner and whist drive afterwards. Bed late, Germans talking in the evening.

Letter continued - Monday 1st June 1964

From Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, Passenger on board S.S. 'Northern Star'
To Capt. C.H. & Mrs V.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Today has been a mad scramble to get things packed, and last minute things done. I have been up to the top of the deck twice, but one gets quite a lot of fresh air - the stabilisers are out and we have been going pretty fast, in fact our usual 22 knots. Rumour has it that we arrive in at Wellington at 2.am but do not really tie up till 9.am.

The reason we are going so fast is because we are racing to get the ship in because a baby of eight months has meningitis, on board.

If only I had everything all taped and alright it wouldn't be difficult to go overboard , and start walking to Stratford. Only, I dare say it would be quicker to wait for Jack and co.

We have just had an excellent landfall dinner - the last of the series - plum pudding this time as well, and we had a bottle of Reisling at our table. So we all stocked up below the belts!!

Also I have just gone and bought 200 cigarettes - this should keep Jack happy - we are allowed that much duty free - and I thought I might as well do the thing properly - I have a bottle of Champagne too - the best - so this should be all set to start off well. Perhaps I'll be able to keep the champagne to some time when Jimmy will be allowed to drink it. I gather at the moment he is allowed nothing but largactil pills, but they must have stopped them by now. I have also treated myself to a new sporty bright red mackintosh, padded lining made in Hong Kong for 57/6 or something absurd.

Our last thing we are doing today is going to a whist drive, all the old fogies go and some of them cheat like anything, the others tell you what to do in a most commanding bossy way. However, the alternative is dancing in the tavern which means with all the teenagers, doing the twist. As they don't do it half so well as the Cook Island girls we saw on the film, I shall be quite happy not to join them.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell continues . . .

From Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, Passenger on board S.S. 'Northern Star'
To Capt. C.H. & Mrs V.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Tuesday 2nd June 1964 - SS Northern Star
Arrive Wellington NZ. 9.0am. Shaw Savill Line, P.O. Box 592, Wellington, NZ. Early in. Lovely looking harbour. Jack and Enid there, had spent the night in Wellington. T. Griffiths made a grand demonstration at breakfast. Gave T.Holm my address at home. Luggage not clear till 3pm. Back at 9pm. Passed Dora's house. Stopped for morning tea at a hut on the way - Corinna pretty but pale.

Photo ????

R.M.S. Northern Star in Wellington

Letter continues

From Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, New Zealand
To Capt. C.H. & Mrs V.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England
Tuesday - 11.20.am.

Arrived here in good form, nice day - Blue skies on the other side of the quay. Rangitane drawn up already to take me back next year - a much smaller ship and 8 life boats.

Jack and Enid are here in good form and send their love.

We are waiting for luggage, have been here 2½ hours!

Then we get through 4hrs back J. still working.

Love from Pat

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Taranaki, NZ continues . . .

Wednesday 3rd June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Jack went off. Had breakfast in bed. Cold thick. Dora rang up and said Mum's letters had reached her! She wanted to see me!! This got me out of bed. We went and had lunch with Margaret and Kenneth. Margaret expecting a baby. Corinne came back and said the people Cookson's knew in Bournemouth knew I was due in "Morning Star." Watched TV at night - good. About a broken marriage! Slept badly. Cold very thick.

Letter - Wednesday, 3rd June 1964
Pat Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mr & Mrs Jack Cookson, 4 Salisbury Road, Stratford R.D. NZTo Capt. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Ma and Pa,

Well, here I am, really and truly high and dry at last, and all is well, and in a nice good mood ready for the least excitement, meeting Jimmy. Before I proceed could you from now on be extra fussy about addressing the letters. Enid says perhaps you could put c/o Mrs J.C. etc and then Miss HC under it, or Miss Patricia C--- M---- HC under it - because well, what do you think?

After a marvellous night's sleep in what was Ken's bed - dunlopillo mattress and all - the phone kept on going and Enid gave me B. & B. (breakfast in bed!). Then I vaguely heard Enid say on the phone (which is outside my room) "yes, she arrived last night and is still in bed etc etc:" well, Enid came in and said "That was Dora"! She wanted to see me, and could I collect letters, as they had all been sent to her, particularly Mummy's !! So the name has been confusing the postman!!

Well, of course, this got me really out of bed more or less shaking with rage!!! In spite of a heavy cold which I''m trying to throw off. Apparently Hilary will give the letters to Corinna tonight.) Jack had said yesterday that I should go and see her - but I have my own quite firm opinions, and don't intend to at all, unless Jimmy asks me to and then am doubtful - after all he is the one she's got to be nice too!!

So that's clear about the letters is it, I hope none of mine have gone astray. I have so far received the income tax one - Pop, thank you very much.

Owing to the dockside labourers being so slow yesterday (from 12. till 2.pm one crane stopped unloading trunks) we weren't through the customs til 3.pm! (Unions for you!). Jack and Enid very gallantly came down the night before and were there when we docked at 9.am. We hung around all day, but I imagine the plum pudding and the wine at the landfall dinner the night before kept me going, but I didn't feel too bad after all that. We reached here at 9.pm after 4 hours on the road. The last part through wind and rain - Jack driving well.

About a mile out of Stratford on the road from Wellington (between Eltham and Stratford) as we went by in the dark - Jack said "That's where Dora lives." Asked him how he knew - and he said Jim had told him, and they had taken Jim there to see her, when she would not see him. So she lives right out of the town - most select, what?

Meanwhile no message or anything from Jimmy and the Cooksons very kindly want me to ask him here for the weekend. However, I think I should go and see him and am very much in the mood to go anywhere. Come so far to see him. Am on the point of wiring him to say I'm coming - Enid says - she and Jack have spent time at a hotel in Te Puke and it is quite a nice place. Then I can really see how he is going, and at the moment am in the sort of mood to go anywhere and do anything.

Terrible April showery day today, very heavy rain at present, then it stops.

We went and had hot soup and snacks at the son's place. Enid has gone out to help get a cow in. Am not really seeing anyone till I've seen Jimmy.

They have all had colds - flu, so I must be immune by now.

I managed to get by on the ship, by spending only about £20 in 5½ weeks - tips, commissions, free meals to people, Joe! etc! which isn't a bad going for me. Will have to go to the bank soon, and make sure there is no muddling of accounts there either!

No more news now, this is a dear little house, Enid is so nice, also all the family.

Tons of love, Pat.

P.S. Please tell anyone else who is writing to me to be fussy about the address, I (??)

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Taranaki, NZ continues . . .

Thursday 4th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Another interesting day. Went into Stratford and did bank, also about ticket. Corinna arrived and Barry (her boy friend). Jimmy rang up - very faint voice. See him on Saturday night.

Friday 5th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Quiet day. Jack came back. No letter posted on from Dora yet. Went into Stratford in the morning. Rested in the afternoon. TV in the evening. Jack and Enid went out. Packed.

Saturday 6th June 1964 - Te Puke
Leave 9.40am. Caught 9.40am from Stratford. Finally arrived Te Puke at 9pm. Jim on phone - see tomorrow., Very uncomfortable hotel. Hot bath!!
Memoranda - Addresses - wash hair. Sew in dress preservers. Cigarettes, Wine, Packing. Finish letters. Purser, Valuables - Mrs Davies, Cabin B
Write Brinky.

Sunday 7th June 1964 - Te Puke
No church today. Jim arrived out 9.15am. Not much changed. Walked round town all day and watched TV. Lunch in. etc. Back headache by evening. Slept well. Jimmy wants me to see Dora and get rucksack from her.

Monday 8th June 1964 - Te Puke
Felt very tired all day. Did not go out. Slept in the afternoon. Watched TV in the evening. Fairly amusing! Bed, did not sleep so well. Lock the door on Tuesday night.

Letter - Monday 8th June, 1964
From Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, staying at Te Puke Hotel, Te Puke, New Zealand
To Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Ma and Pa,

This seems to be the first opportunity of writing since meeting Jimmy yesterday for the first time. he looks very fit, and not so terribly depressed considering. I had a tremendous bus trip up on Saturday, leaving Cooksons at about 9.20.am and reaching here in a taxi at 9.pm, driven by a Maori from Tauranga (Bay of Plenty, good name eh?) I rang him up and the forest where he works is some way from here, so he thought it was too late to come out.

Finally he arrived here at 9.15.am the next morning. We spent the day walking around Te Puke here which is a small town (this is the only hotel, but a very good one!) He talking on and off and telling me various things. He thinks he'll stay here for a bit, as he is getting used to it, he says - and has heard of some job to do with watching for fires in the forest. (Directly I heard from you, Ma on Saturday told Jack you had said the J. wanted to go back on the farm - so Jack at once told me of two farmers who wanted men to help with sheep - This I told Jimmy, but he wants to stick it out where he is - a good thing I think).

He is also reading a lot in his spare time - this is an education in itself - and he says there is a good library here (for 10/- a year).

He told me that Dora has been writing more to him lately, and had evidently heard I was arriving (must have done, to have rung up that first morning like she did). Also, she imagines that I had come out to take the children from her. (Now, where on earth would she have got that idea from?!) Extraordinary long ears she must have.

Also, she told Jimmy that you, Pop, must "hate her guts" (what a disgusting expression) - so she must have a bit of a conscience! Jimmy keeps saying that she will be alright when she is better. Well, I said to him, "She's well enough to work 2½ days at a private school in Stratford."

I asked Jimmy how she got the job, and he said you don't need so many qualifications for that sort of school! (makes one think doesn't it? You see nowadays they demand higher qualifications for the council schools). Also, her latest "bee in the bonnet" is that the children have all got to have expensive educations!! Well, I said to Jim, that its too early to decide that yet, and anyhow in these countries - its just as good or better to go to the state schools.

His nearest attempt at criticism of her was that she did get queer ideas. Anyhow he says other married people he knows aren't happy all the time, and that he just couldn't take it, that's all - her nagging I imagine he meant etc etc. Anyhow it was depressing hearing all this, but it's what I expected, and he wants me to see her to get a bag she has or may have of his.

Meanwhile, this morning I found it's extremely difficult to get back to Stratford easily - and so shall stay here till today week (15th). If you've got a good thing, stick to it, I say. 4 days on my own, but will do some sketches - and write letters (by the ton). My cold is going, but travelling is exhausting. This is a nice place - might see about jobs up here for later.

Love Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Te Puke, NZ continues . . .

Tuesday 9th June 1964 - Te Puke
Better day. Went for a walk in the morning and did a bit of sketching of sheep. Back for lunch.Rested in the afternoon. TV in the evening.Talked with the girl who does rooms.

Wednesday 10th June 1964 - Te Puke
Bright day. Shopped in the morning and posted some letters. Postcards and a map. After lunch went and did sketch of church in the sun, very nice. Back and had a sleep. TV after supper.

Thursday 11th June 1964 - Te Puke
Another quiet day. Went out at 11.30am. Back for lunch at 12.30mid. Finished sketch. Home by 3pm. Washed stockings and rested. TV in the evening. Cold in lounge.

Friday 12th June 1964 - Te Puke
Not a good day, because Jim did not turn up in the end. Travel agency says 7am. Monday morning from by the hotel. Went to chemist. Wrote letters. Washed hair after lunch. Jim rang at 6pm, flu,' coming out after breakfast if he can.

Saturday 13th June 1964 - Te Puke
What a day! Mrs Rae(?) rang after breakfast to say Jimmy could not come out. He had had a long call from someone - telephone call (it was Dora, furious at me) After lunch drove out to see him. whew! Ye Gods! Doesn't look bad so far himself! Left about 6.30pm.
Memoranda - Licence in Stratford - driving licence. Gun licence McCarthy. Tickets for Monday, Bank. Something to do on Saturday. Shampoo, hair net, Paper hankies, Honey. Write Nancy, Brinky, Miss Wood, Mary Cake. Mrs Clarke.

Letter - 13th June 1964
From - Mrs D.A.Rogers, 48 Fenton St, Stratford, New Zealand
To - Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Violet,

Thank you for your letter with its kind enquiries and thoughts. Thank you. I have made a good recovery from the last eye operation. It was unusual but came off all right - the doctor is very pleased with me and himself! I have been some time getting used to dressing with new glasses, but now can see quite clearly to cross streets, get up and down stairs and so on - can distinguish quite small things, even read a bit and sew. One very wet day recently I got out the sewing machine - and could see well enough to use it - what a joy!

I love sewing, and in the winter time when I cannot get into the garden, I sew - all sorts of things, not dress-making exactly, but quilts and little garments for the Red Cross and Corso.

Your daughter must be close to coming to New Zealand now. Unfortunately, some mail for her was re-directed to Dora at Ngaere. I met Dora in town one day and she asked me if I knew where Pat was. I just couldn't say, as I have no news. It was a bitterly cold day, the children were with her, and all looked so cosy and warm in lovely warm woollies.

They were on their way to the library to change their books, all very avid readers, Dora said. They were well behaved as they were last time they visited me. Dora looks rather tired, but tells me she likes teaching at St.Mary's.

Lucy is well and very busy. She rang the other day to say that the Colin Trowbridges had spent the Wednesday afternoon with her. They are all well.

Nick and Margaret, my two in England are leaving to come back to New Zealand in July - not long now. Bill came home for his holidays to help me over my first few days at home after the operation. We had a great time together. For New Year he brought home two Malayan Chinese students and we all had a happy time. The two men called me 'Mother' and were very polite indeed. I enjoyed having them.

I must write to Nick and Margaret now. I hope you are both well, and that Jimmie is still doing well. You mentioned Michael. It is the only name I have heard him called.

Love from Doris Rogers.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Te Puke, NZ continues . . .

Sunday 14th June 1964 - Te Puke
Up to early service at the church. Church full. Nice service. Jim rang after breakfast - came over, looking pretty fit I thought. Morning tea. Wrote letter to the psychiatrist, and posted. Watched TV after lunch and in the evening. Jimmy left about 9.15pm.

Letter - Sunday, 14th June 1964
From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, Te Puke Hotel, Te Puke, New Zealand
To - Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Still at Te Puke Hotel, Te Puke - probably leaving tomorrow for Stratford. Letter 1.

Dear Ma and Pa,

I thought you might like to hear a bit more about life in the Bay of Plenty.

Having spent eight days here I consider I know more about it than the Stratford area. Of course, life in any hotel is the same, but this has more space and seems like a paradise after the ship. The five o'clock "swill" takes place every day, and on Fridays this started at 4.pm.

Continued Monday 15th June

Well, we've just finished the weekend, Jimmy did not stay in the hotel in the end. He had a mild attack of 'flu Friday and rang me at 6.pm to say he couldn't do it.

Saturday morning his woman, a Mrs Rose or Row rang me and said he wasn't up to it, and she'd already had to get him up to answer a "person to person" call, as she said. (This turned out to be Dora). By lunch time I was wondering what to do and had a discussion with the little woman who works here who had once lived where Jimmy is while her husband worked.

So I rang Mrs Rose and said I was coming over, and would she mind - because Jim had told me women not allowed! So off I go in a taxi with a large old Maori man at the wheel - eighteen miles from her to the camp. But it didn't seem very far. I must say these great trees and the quietness reminding me of Bavaria - and all these little huts.

I was taken to the cook house where a nice looking, kindly N.Z. woman lived with her son, and husband. Then she took me to Jim's hut - and I got the billy and made him drink his tea, and we chatted all afternoon. You could hear the other chap giggling all round - a happy crowd alright.

He sweated a bit in the evening. Then I made him drink early another billy of tea! And stuck up my picture of Te Puke church on his wall. I took two days to paint it - a red roofed little place surrounded by gum trees. Then went and had a good chat with the Roses while waiting for the taxi.

It transpired she came from the Stratford area and knows or knew the Gopperths. The cook home was a big place - clean - electric stove and fridge. She had her son in bed with 'flu too.

Next morning I was prepared to go out there again, and after preparing to gird my loins "So to speak!" and having been to H-C, at the church I had painted - full house - very nicely taken - (first Holy Communion since Sherbourne that day with you - none on the ship) and had a good breakfast of excellent porridge. The phone went and there was Jim on it. He came out and we had a restful time eating, sitting in the lounge and walking. TV. (particularly Comedy Playhouse).

He looked fit. Dora had rung him up - furious about me writing to the lawyer asking him about J's bag and my letters. Jim said I'd better not go near her now, so that suits me!! However, when J. rang me when I was at Cooksons - one could hardly hear what he said - nor he me - so doubtless her wrath was wasted on the morning air and on any interested telephone operator.

However, J. says he likes Dora ringing him up - rather, or I asked him if he did? And he said "yes" - He won't if she always rows him. Conintued in next letter.

Love Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Te Puke, NZ continues . . .

Monday 15th June 1964 - Te Puke
(crossed out - Air travel 8.25am from Rotorua - New Plymouth 10am £4) 7am behind the hotel, shopped for Jim and paid bill £30!! Slept in pm. It rained hard in the morning. Cleared in the afternoon. Wrote to Pa and Ma. More people in the hotel tonight. One sounded drunk.

Letter - Monday 15th June 1964
From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, Te Puke Hotel, Te Puke, New Zealand
To - Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England.

Well, I'd just told you about the phone call from Dora to Jim. Mrs Roe said she didn't like having to get him out of bed to answer it and probably the reaction from that made him exhausted for the rest of the day. J. wants me to see McCarthy to enquire about getting back a gun licence as they, some of them, go shooting in weekends. So I will, but he'd be well without one. I'd have thought.

We also concocted a letter to fix an appointment for him to see the visiting man from Tokanui hospital with the largactil. (he only has one a day now). He said he had written before but got no reply - so we composed a letter between us and enclosed a stamped envelop so he should get a reply this time.

Personally, he seems more settled to life in this place than I would have thought possible - delighting in the quietness, and the two days rest at the end when he reads anything and everything. (has joined the local library here). Quite positive that he's away from anyone to nag him - must help a lot.

Otherwise, I wasn't too thrilled with the look of the hut. However, little Mrs Richmond (she told me she was partly Maori with a Scotch grand-father) has interesting things to say about the place - she, herself, a grandmother. I asked her to come in and chat to Jim and I in the lounge - she told us, or me that the hut would be improved with a coat of paint - also a Maori who also worked in the camp was her cousin. He peeped in to see Jim when I was there on Saturday.

She herself, likes a very quiet life and had been a farmer's daughter from the Bay of Plenty. This woman also knows the boss of the camp and his wife, he having worked his way up and is now what they call, a Ranger.

I mildly suggested to Jim that I could come and cook, bottle wash for him etc., but this seemed to go through one ear and out the other. I told him to be sure and write if any change, or if he wanted anything, and that Cooksons, anyway, would always put him up if he wanted a holiday. He said he would go to Colin if he went down there.

I think probably he is as well there as anywhere (for a bit - Mrs Richmond says it gets very dusty in the summer). His one song - J's, seems to be "he can't do this, and he can't to that." However, I should say its mostly JUST TALK. Underneath he might be really quite enjoying himself - one feels he will get very fit (he looks it anyway) doing this healthy out of door life - and this should help his brain I should have thought.

Meanwhile its very wet today - I'm to do some shopping here for him, then fix my journey back to Stratford for tomorrow - and to reading all the nice pile of letters when I get there. Floods in New South Wales, Sydney. My poor friends the Scotts - so no rush to get there yet.

Love Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Stratford, NZ continues . . .

Tuesday 16th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Left hotel Te Puke at 6.45am. Reached 4 Salisbury Road, at 7pm. Good journey. Took pill after early tea which kept me right. Lovely trip. On arrival 2 letters from Ma, and three from Pa. No TV. Slept well.

Letter - 16th June 1964
From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Jack Cookson, 4 Salisbury Road, R.D. Stratford, NZ
To - Captain the Rev. and Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England.

Dear all,

This is continued as I literally can't stop writing. Jack and Enid and I sat in the kitchen last night after the others had gone to bed, and we discussed the situation. (they know everything). I'm afraid I talked to my friend in Australia about it at Sydney, and she is a great believer in prayer - and TIME. As a matter of fact its a blow to my fun here - but I'm going to make an effort and go and see all these friends soon.

We are going into town tomorrow. I bought Jim vests, socks, a pillow, etc in Te Puke - he gave me the £10 you sent him, ma, to cash. Of course the more he is given the more he will give to D. and she is probably blackmailing him about education now.

I told him it was far too early to bother about this, and Jack said its ridiculous at this stage to bother about education.

Colin has gone to the show, north this week, I hope to see him next week. Enid wants a weekend holiday, so she and I are driving up to Rotorua for weekend. As this is close to Jim - we might well see him again! But I feel that he may have some sort of reaction after seeing me - and provided Dora doesn't take it into her head to drive up to Te Puke and stay at that expensive hotel all will be well.

Meanwhile J's wants at Te Puke are small - the more he has the more will be stolen from him, they told me this!! So don't send him any more. Later on he may need more socks - so I may start knitting. Jim is quite wrong about it being a dead end job - Jack says you can work up and do well in it - I must tell J. I intend to write to the cook woman, Mrs Roe, or Row, and give her my address and say I'm a relative just in case.

The Cook house was clean, bright and might have been the Ritz. So really he is in a good wicket. £14 a week - £6 to Dora. £2.10s for his keep - so not much is being saved. If he wants to get to Te Puke, it costs £2 per taxi. He says he reads to escape and loves having the weekends to himself, what he means, of course, is relaxation.

No, honestly, I think we must just leave him to get on with it, and hope for the best. I think only the most simple obvious things will make serve to a person who has had their brain muscles mucked about with. But if D. rings him up and rows him as she did on Saturday - he won't like it. You know I must stop this and say in some ways he is much more mature than before he married, and I should think less easily taken in - goes on talking about the education we had, and I suppose c/o it to Dora's. As if it was a pity we were educated etc. Says he can't write as there's nothing to write about - so admit - that no news is good news - in spite of all these notes from me.

Really must stop. Five men in to afternoon tea discussing farming - But I'm afraid I don't really feel Stratford is the place for me. Enid and I should have fun at Rotorua - we are going camping to a motel.

Love from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Stratford, NZ continues . . .

Wednesday 17th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Got up late after breakfast in bed. Wrote some more letters. Hung out some washing. Chopped wood, letter from Elizabeth. Jack did not go to work.

Letter - Wednesday, 17th June 1964
From James A.Heath-Caldwell, Rotoehu Forest, R.D.6 Te Puke, New Zealand
To - Captain C.H.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Pa and Ma,

Thank you for your letters and help in the finance line. Mr K of the Public Trust knows what is what and I think if you have any ideas or suggestions its best to write to him about it. Just occasionally I have to sign things but that is all.

Pat came to visit me at Te Puke the weekend before last. She seemed in reasonable form - living for the day, she said etc - she had very vague plans for her visit to Australia and New Guinea so I don't know what she is doing now. She decided to stay the week at Te Puke because she got a cold or perhaps it was 'flu.' Anyway I had that last Friday and Saturday and Pat came out here and has seen exactly what camp life here is like. Most of her remarks were about wanting to (burn, bum?) anything etc etc. Really, its not too pleasant being ill anywhere but at home or in a hospital.

Anyway, after taking sulphur pills and lots of aspirins etc I got better on Saturday night and went into Te Puke on Sunday.

Thank you for the trousers and that shirt, both of which fit me very well indeed. The trousers I think are very smart.

Nothing else has happened here. I'm still engaged in marking out the lines for men planting trees. We must have planted over 150 acres so far I should think. Tomorrow we are moving off to an area on the side of Lake Rotoehu so we'll have another change of scenery.

Things seem to get no better in Laos and South Vietnam. In fact they must be a great deal worse than at the time when the U.S. landed troops in Thailand last year. There is some small talk here about larger defence expenditure but the talk is pretty small. One wonders if Chinese communism isn't perhaps the best way of organising an over-populated East. Hong Kong seems to be able to thrive handsomely right on top of it.

Your labour party seems to have a very socialist platform for winning the election in October. England might perhaps put Russia in the shade ideologically if they do get in. But of course, the most interesting thing will be to observe whether a change to Labour will improve Britain's trading position in the world, or not.

You haven't aired your views on what goes lately. I'm beginning to wonder if the way the newspapers treat the public to news doesn't have the same effect as Pavlov's famous experiment on his dogs. That the public is really not very well informed at all in fact. But, of course, I don't know about television - that may not be quite as bad.

Hope you and the dogs are all well,

Love James.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Stratford, NZ continues . . .

Thursday 18th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Quiet day. Jack ill, probably we won't go tomorrow to Rotorua. Rather wet. Went to Midhurst in the afternoon. Enid wrote to Mum. Letter from Elizabeth Handyside, and two things from Daddy.

Letter - Thursday, 18th June 1964
From - Mrs G Cookson, No.4 R.D., Midhurst, Stratford, New Zealand
To - Capt & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

Dear Capt. and Mrs Heath-Caldwell,

I bet you have given up hoping to hear from us again, but life is quite hectic at times, one of the high lights was meeting Pat again, she is looking extremely well, and has arrived back after spending over a week up North with Jimmy who, although had the flue is very well, she thought, and him much quieter than usual, but I guess she has well and truely given you all the news of her few days with him.

Capt, our local papers are full of news about a gentleman out working in his garden in just his pants, and two young flappers appearing on the scene, this all happened in a place called Cattistock. If you should ever meet him tell him off for me will you.

Today, Pat and I walked over the back of Jimmy's farm, looked in the windows and all around the sheds, it was all tidy. The new chap takes over soon, they have a young family. Jack has met him and says he seems a decent sort.

Lots of things were planned for the weekend. Jack was to go deer stalking. Pat and I intended paying a visit to Rotorua, but Jack has a back attack of the flue, so that puts an end to that. He has spent the day in bed and only had one cigarette so he is feeling pretty miserable.

We all may go to Rotorua when he is better and has finished the job he is on away out in the back country.

I mean to take Pat to New Plymouth and show her the Parks. Then have tea with my sister-in-law either Saturday or Sunday.

Tonight, Pat, Corinna and myself are watching T.V. so far its been very funny. The two girls are knitting, you can guess what I'm doing, and its taking me ages to write these few lines.

How is Lilly? Tell her Pat has sampled pumpkin and likes it, and tonight we had a pudding called "High Church." The receipt I'll write on the bottom of the letter. Pat thought it very good and had two helpings, she is eating well also sleeping well, and we were very pleased when she arrived Tuesday night and said "Its good to be home."

Jack is not the only one with the flue, the prime minister has had to cancel all his engagements, so they have just told us on the news.

Colin (Trowbridge) rang the other night but Pat was away, he is on holiday this week so it will be next week before we either get them to come out or we take Pat there.

Well, seeing I have this recipe to get in I'd better close now. Hope your both well and not worrying too much over Pat. Love to you both from Enid & Jack X X

HIGH CHURCH PUDDING.
6 tablespoons - flour. 2 tablespoons - butter, 2 tablespoons - Syrup, 1 cup - milk, 1 teaspoon - baking soda, ¼ teaspoon cream of Tartus.
Method - Cream butter and sugar , warm milk and syrup and add, then dry ingredients - steam 2 hours.

11th June & 18 June 1964
Letter
From - Norah.V.Palmer, Cross St, Maitland, NSW, AustraliaTo - Mrs C.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Doset, England

Dear Vi and Cuthbert,

First of all, Vi, I would like to thank you for the lovely bag which you sent me by Pat. I am so thrilled with it, and have put it into use already. It matches a suit which I just made, to perfection.

Joe met Pat in Sydney and said she looked well and young. They seemed to have a happy time together. Joe said Pat seemed a little anxious about the success of her mission to New Zealand. I do hope she finds Jim in better health, and that she will be able to assist in straightening out some of these problems.
Just at present we are having some anxiety with the weather. A flood is imminent, and we all hope it will be averted.

Fred (Palmer) keeps well, and has done some nice new pictures. The Public Library is quite close to us, so he is able to get a supply of all the books he is so interested in. We miss having our Joe in the house. He also misses being here, and is hoping to get a transfer to Newcastle or Maitland so that he can live at home. We will be so happy if it comes off.

Prim is working hard at High School, doing her 4th year, and somewhat anxious about her future career, especially so now that the competition for jobs, is so keen.

Our 10th grandchild is expected in October. Rozzies first. The other nine are blooming, and so very energetic. One has to be in fine form to cope with them.

18th. (June 1964)

I commenced this letter a week ago, and am pleased to report that the rain just ceased in time as far as we were concerned. The levee banks held, but they were manned all night in case weakness should occur. The poor residents lower down on the river have had a terrible time. Their houses and farms inundated. The weather is pleasant again although quite wintry.

We haven't heard from Pat since she arrived in New Zealand, but no doubt she will let us know how things are going, and when she will be with us.
Hoping you and Cuthbert are quite well.

Lots of love from us all,

Norah (Palmer)

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Stratford, NZ continues . . .

Friday 19th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Quiet day. Went into Stratford. Bank and Post Office. Slept in the afternoon, or did I. Jack still rather bad. Ken went deer stalking.

Saturday 20th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Another quiet day. Weeded in the afternoon. Enid cut front trees. Drew Corinna.
Memoranda - Return Jimmy £6-12-2 or £7.

Letter - 20th June 1964

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mrs & Mrs Jack Cookson, 4.R.D. Salisbury Road, R.D., Stratford, Taranaki, New Zealand
To - Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Letter 1

Dear All,

Well, here I have been for the past five days having a glorious time again and quite recovered after those rather desperate days in the hotel. Jack and Enid and Corinna are a wonderful family - really Enid never stops - she keeps this household going alright. And this morning the mountain is shining out - a terrific sight indeed.

Poor Jack was in bed with 'flu for 2 days - this awful phlegmy cough that I've pretty well thrown off now. My excursions start tomorrow with 1.30.pm visit to McCarthy. I rang up, and the secretary made all sorts of excuses not to see me - McCarthy doing farm accounts this time of the year etc etc. This, after I thought I'd yelled down the phone that I was MISS! (should have said Pat - of course - doubtless I will learn in time!)

Anyhow, another woman came through "Is that you, Mrs HC?" I said, "No, it is NOT!" Humble apologies other end - and "Oh that is a different scotch story." ha! ha!

So armed with a long list of queries I shall be pleased to see him - and settle some points. Also hope to see Colin and Claire - and give messages from his mother and our thanks. I have also a large box of crystallized fruit which I got in South Africa which Jimmy would not have.

Langdons, I shall pop over too - been a little bit awkward about them owing to the feeling against them here - have written a note to Mrs Harris asking if I can come over to her.

But people I am sure would not have wanted to see me with this cold. Also, by not rushing in I have had time to work it all out in my mind. Somehow not to bother too much about dear D. in case she continues to do personal telephone calls to Jimmy which must bore him if she only looses her temper when doing it. I expect she caught flu last week herself - Corinna tells me the children were away from school.

Meanwhile, we live on "High Church pudding" - do tell Brinky - doing very well on it! delicious. Also Chinese gooseberries.

Enid is out spraying her fruit trees. She pruned them yesterday. Corinna is a most attractive girl, very quiet, but doesn't miss much. She is to be married next January - I may be here for the wedding in a Presbyterian church. She is very keen on some of those old woollen stockings you gave me mum. With the patterns on them. Would it be possible to get her any - when the autumn comes - as you talked about clothes? Several people have admired them!!

I wonder, did you manage to get that silver cup off to the secretary, Marlborough College Beagles, Marlborough? Their prize day and sports is on 27th June.

Television, we watch here every night - so I'm in practice!! We have Duncannon - Andrew Cruikshank - and after dinner discussions - the lot.

I walked over the farm with Enid - interesting, but I found heart-breaking - it is leased for 5 years - Enid says - Mr Shumacher and son were there. A nice man, shook hands with me. They leave after this month and the other people come.

Cheerio for now, Pat.

Letter - 20th June 1964

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mr & Mrs Jack Cookson, 4R.D., Salisbury Road, Stratford, Taranaki, New Zealand
To - Captain & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

2nd Letter. continued from June 20th

Dear all,

I found a quite good canvas suitcase in the shed with Jim's label on it, at the farm. This, if needed, will do fine for Jim, and this will be another query to the solicitor - "to ask McCarthy" - in fact that is my due at the moment.

Jack is a person who does not go by rules - Enid has made me realise that - so its just as well to know and then all should be alright (they have had their TV set since Christmas, and Enid only got the license yesterday. Jack never would!)

Enid says all those ditches could be filled up (by Jack of course) on the farm and good flat pasture made, she pointed out another farm in the distance which had had this done. Apperently the next lot of people come in for five years at the end of the month.

Of course the Cooksons farm life here is so (malty?), and happy and well fed. At any excuse we sit down to morning tea and afternoon tea - and the young son comes in too - and any visiting man. Enid is the perfect hostess - very little to say to them, but nothing, repeat nothing, is too much for her to do for her guests.

Jimmy reads a lot which is a great thing. Corinna has every kind of interesting reading matter around as she is a qualified teacher, and Jack tells me that Jimmy's job is by no means a dead end one. Plenty of room for promotion - so in time he may get it.

I hope to find somewhere where I could go nearer to his camp for an occasional weekend, Te Puke is really too far from it - and also too damned expensive.

Sorry to hear about Michael Charlton, from Danny's remarks when I last saw her he was a bit queer - long hair and queer clothes!! However, I must drop her a line.

Great news about David. Mrs Ronald gave me a good description of Pop cutting the lawn - you must have had it hot. Fearfully cold here this morning, but a brilliant sun.

Circular clothes line machine - also dryer outside - Mum, that washing thing - Enid has one which is good - we wash here about every two days. Her machine is just like your old service one.

Two adorable cats here, very playful. Enid has six hens - and a home full of wood which she chops every day.

Yesterday I sketched Corinna which she was pleased with. Hope to do a bigger and better one soon.

We are going round New Plymouth today. Enid is full of bounding energy - no church of course - however - plenty of charity - perhaps this is more important? How shall I ever repay them? In cash, hardly.

All love, Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Stratford, NZ continues . . .

Sunday 21st June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Lovely day. Cold. Mountain beautiful. Went out to New Plymouth with Enid to Park. Pukekura and Churchill Heights and had tea with a friend. Glorious day. Saw first NZ baby.

Monday 22nd June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Monday 1.30pm. McCarthy. Rained hard. Left at 12.45pm for Hawera. Found Mr McCarthy who was very cautious. Back home. Felt depressed. Rained still. Beatles - are we sick of them - never!! And book the Americans.

Tuesday 23rd June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Woke with headache (too much TV) Walked round to Langdons. Then after lunch we went off to see some of Jack and Enid's friends. Went off to Colin's with the Langdons - pleasant evening. Talked all the time. Back 12mn. Enid and Jack much later at 2am.

Wednesday 24th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Up latish. Quiet day. Went to division after lunch. About 6 of us there. I judged the flowers. Mrs Hurliman (Swiss) came to see films which were very good, which Jack had done.

Letter - 24th June 1964
From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Cooksons, 4.R.D., Salisbury Road, Stratford, Taranaki
To - Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dochester, England.

Dear Ma,

Many thanks for yours (long) of 17th. A very amusing one from Lily arrived by same post. This, and my visit to Colin and Claire last night has greatly cheered me up.

Life at Cooksons is primarily designed to make life very happy for the guest, this suits me. Enid is absolutely wonderful, and keeps this house going, I think.

No news from Jim since I left Te Puke - he told me he has nothing to write - so doesn't write it. Colin says he has not heard for some time either, but told me Jim is not really a letter writer.

My cold has really gone, and so am having a better time. Enid has taken me round Jimmy's farm and I am going out to rescue a quite good canvas suitcase left there.

Sunday we went to New Pymouth and saw a sister-in-law of Enid's and a New Zealand baby (the first I have seen). We went to Pukekura Park and Churchill Heights. It was a very clear cool blue skyed day, the mountain looking beautiful.

On Monday it started raining and never stopped all day, and Enid and I set forth for Hawera and Mr McCarthy. I did not really feel very good after seeing him, I suppose because he was so extremely lawyer-like, and impartial. Then again, I'm not used to lawyers exactly - except TV ones! However, what he said seemed reasonable and most sensible - and he did not say much.

Rather like Perry Mason - (always making eyes etc!!) He said he didn't really want to let J. have a gun licence - I agreed. So he said "What about in 6 months time?" So I said "Make it 3." So he said he would try and write a clever letter and put him off. He said he would write a snorter to Dora about the letter (people, Langdons, have since said that the Postmaster would soon see about this) However, we both agreed that doing this would probably cause Dora to further contact Jimmy and annoy him, and he suggest when I leave here, write to her and ask her to send it on.

Tell Daddy I did some probing about things she might have which are family things to be kept an eye on for the children - he said nothing could be done about these as there was no separation.

I think he told me that D. did not want J. back and his one comment about her character was that she has been very "calculating." A real understatement. I can't remember much else he said - except that there was nothing else I could do and I should get the hell out of this. (This was obvious and I knew it already) Well, not exactly HELL. But nearly as much. Also, that I must not "force" myself on my brother - (This really shook me, as I had only seen him for 2½ days - one half day in which he was really SICK and needed someone to help him - in fact he said so - "how beastly to have no one to care when he's ill"). I suppose McCarthy knows only too well how annoying D. is and I felt very fed up after seeing McCarthy.

However, Colin was so nice, and when he heard that I would probably go off next week to Australia - he said - no, I shouldn't and I really feel and Jack and Enid have persuaded me to stay on a little longer. After all everyone round here is J's friend - and Enid said she won't dare come back here - and Langdon said the whole neighbourhood was glad when she left. etc. I could go on for hours, I was so bad tempered Tuesday morning after my my day before visit to McCarthy's, that I walked off unannounced to see Langdons - (Enid not being friendly with them, had restrained me too long!) and had morning coffee with them.

Jack showed me his films tonight - lovely, saw you Pop, and I again, all very good film stars.

Love from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Stratford, NZ continues . . .

Thursday 25th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Set off 9am for Whangamomona with Mrs Hurliman and Enid, following up to Jack. Was sick. Then did long walk after lunch up to hill. Jack's machine would not work so we came back and got in the dray attached to the tractor and had a muddy drive home. Back here at 5pm. Early to bed - slept like a log. Mrs Rogers and Mrs Harris rang up.

Friday 26th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Quiet day. After lunch went to Stratford for the exhibition, quite fun. Watched TV till late.

Saturday 27th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Corinna went to basket ball. I sat in the garden and wrote to Miss Mac who had written a very distraught letter to me about Mr Bowman etc. After lunch we gardened. Corinna came back at 6pm.

Sunday 28th June 1964 -Stratford, Taranaki
Had a headache when I got up so stayed in bed till 11.30am. After lunch Jack came back, then Enid, Corinna and I set out to pick up Mrs Rogers and go on to Mrs Harris at O'Kaiawa. Here we had a very pleasant afternoon tea. Back in the dark. Jack and Enid went out to see some other people. Corinna and I watched TV.

Monday 29th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Jack went off early to Whangamomana. After lunch Enid and I went into town. Took suitcase and saw Travel agency - also Kilgariff. Also Dora and children in the car!! Enid bought doughnuts.

Tuesday 30th June 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Letter from Daddy. Enid and I went for a walk to the end of the estate, and saw the other mountains which are erupting. After lunch went out to help some new people get into their farm - washed some walls down. Jack came back late that night from Whangamomona.

Wedesnday 1st July 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
2 from Mummy. Up rather latish. Went off to clean house for Mrs Hurliman's tenants. Washed walls of kitchen and bathroom. One lady fell down. After lunch I went off in the car with Mrs Hurliman taking round R.C. leaflets. Enid and I had supper together.

Thursday 2nd July 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Letter from Jim. Up at 9.30am, went off at 11am to Mrs Hurliman's house. Ripped paper off walls till 6pm. Had Swiss supper with Mrs Hurliman. Wrote letters to Mum and Dad. Foggy on way back.

Friday 3rd July 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Went into town and went to travel agency. Ticket to Sydney £69.11s. Also went to the bank. Back - had fish and chips. Went on to Hurleyman's. Painted all afternoon. Back at 5.30pm. Corinna back and going to Wellington tomorrow. Jack arrived late from his work. I had gone to bed. Letter from Mrs Ronold's daughter.

Saturday 4th July 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Set off to Mrs Hurliman's at 9.45am. Did a bit of papering and then went up to see Mrs Hurliman. Had lunch with her and then did sketch - quite pleased with it. Back at 3pm, because Enid's relations came at 3.30pm. walked up to Jimmy's farm with the toys which belonged to them. Kenneth and Margaret came to supper - Horrid play on TV. Enid's brother Adam and wife came and picked up little girls.

Sunday 5th July 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Poured with rain all day. Up late. Went to Stratford Hospital to see Margaret - neice of Enid's. Saw people called Goothes(?). In the evening went out to see Jack's relations - very rude jokes! Had some sherry.

Letter - Sunday, 5th July 1964

Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, c/o Jack and Enid Cookson, Salisbury Road, No.4 R.D., Stratford
To Capt. the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England.

Dear Mummy and Daddy,

Many thanks for your (2) of this week, Mummy and you (1) Daddy. As it has poured with rain hard all day, and we were in early to cook the evening meal, I thought I would write you one worth reading. (Jack has just turned TV on, so I'm sure I won't be here long or able to concentrate).

I went over to "Stinsford" last night to take back two large toys which I thought were the children's, but were not, which I had collected when I took the suitcase from the farm. Mrs Thomas was pleased and seemed to have forgotten all about them. They had a funny little mongrel Pekinese which came out to meet me.

As I passed by the sheds I saw a dozen or so white hens "chooks" they call them here! and the garden was looking fairly tidy, the hedge had been cut. Kilgariff thinks he will be a good farmer here.

I didn't know you had had a turn, Mummy, I hope that you are better - what a bore, too much gardening I suppose!

Talking about Molly Kennard - you know the man that took her in to the tune of £8 - well, reading the paper yesterday they said that "Interpol" is now discovering this organisation! They've made 1,000s - this gang.

Have you seen old Paddo or Joyce lately?

This afternoon everyone was going in to visit at Stratford Maternity home, where an exceptionally good looking niece of Enid's has just had a baby, so I went too. While we were chatting beside the bedside, two English friends came into to see her - by name Gorler - they were introduced to me and knew Jimmy when he was at Gopperths. He was a bit of a gasbag, but quite nice and she was very well made up, or in other words - plastered!! Didn't seem to have known Jimmy recently, but I told them he was up in forestry now.

Then we went and had tea with a Scottish aunt of Enid's and her old Scottish father - and then I dropped a few small toys I had collected on the ship at Mrs Rogers, and I shall see her again I hope, before I leave on Wednesday 15th July.

I would have liked to see Ros (Attwood) giving away the prizes at Sports Day! Did she make a speech? I must write and tease her about it. Yes, won't it be funny about Golliwog getting a challenge cup? I thought I had it for keeps. Thank you for sending it on!!

Jimmy will now have seen Dr Bennet about the headrushes, and I think he was pretty fit except for them. I don't know if he is planning to go somewhere else - he certainly wanted that suitcase from Dora - so suppose he has some plan to go on.

Our trip has been delayed to Rotorua, but Enid may get me up this week - and with luck we'll be able to meet Jimmy again.

Enid had a job on this week - a friend of theirs was moving into a house, share-milking for an elderly Swiss widow - a Mrs Hurliman. I do not suppose you met her. And evidently everyone who is anyone, or rather those who have friends all help in a move. So Jack said, "Oh, Enid will help." - just like that!

Well, we hardly realised what we were in for, and from Tuesday afternoon until yesterday were madly "house improving." Of course the woman moving in is very nice - a great church-woman I believe, certainly the Methodist parson and wife were in to welcome them on the first day. All "they" did was kept them talking, while we got on with the work!!

This housewife is not only a great Church-woman but a great home-maker - and can she and her husband work! WHEW. Thin as a rake, she was, with shiny black hair - four children parked with someone else.

First afternoon I took a scrubbing brush on a handle and washed walls, ceiling and floor of the hall passage. Enid did some of the floor and cupboards in the kitchen. As it was an old home with "borer" as its called in it - red dust everywhere - and tenants who never bothered to do any cleaning, it was FILTHY!

Next day we cleaned walls, ceiling and floor of kitchen - high roof which took some time. Someone else came to help, a rather elderly lady, quite nice and also an ardent church worker (which Jack and Enid are NOT!!)

Before long she had fallen off a stool and had a real crash, but did not seem to mind. They started talking about "Sisters-in-law" and there was a long silence - I let it continue, and I'm sure they were just waiting!! ha! ha! Later Enid said, when I went for a drive with the widow herself (distributing Catholic leaflets round the country, please note, Mamma!) that the elderly woman evidently had something to say, because her daughter and son-in-law are friends of D's. However, I found her very charming, and next day she turned up to do more work in spite of her fall. Next day we stripped wallpaper off a wash-house, and two bedoroms! I am now a qualified 'stripper."

You'd better tell Doug! that if he wants any female strippers - I am now undertaking a course on it.

On Saturday and Friday we painted white undercoat on hardboard in two of the room, on the walls, and fixed up papers

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Stratford, NZ continues . . .

Monday 6th July 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Went off to Mrs Hurliman's and had a good day though very exhausting papering one room of the house of the (Junich's?). Putting on due to paper- very tiring. Had to rest when got back, and went to bed early after a bath.

Tuesday 7th July 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Wet day, went back to Junich's stripped and papered another bedroom.

Wednesday 8th July 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Rained nearly all day. Letter from Daddy, Mary Cake and Miss Mac. Went into Stratford with Jack. After lunch went to New Plymouth and got Jack's specs. Called at Enid's brother and sister-in-laws. In the evening a young couple and Mr Anderson came to see more films. Good one of Niagara.

Continued on Wednesday 8th.

Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, c/o Jack and Enid Cookson, Salisbury Road, No.4 R.D., Stratford
To Capt. the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England.

Monday and Tuesday this week we papered another room (with very high ceilings - an old house) and stripped another large room completely and papered it. As there were four workers yesterday, Enid and I, Joan Dunnick and old Mrs Huriliman - I did the painting. Mrs Hurliman cleaned the floor. The other two put up the paper. Mrs Hurliman was a very good cook (she is Swiss) and kept us well filled with delicious cakes (banana) scones etc. On Saturday I was let off helping, and spent the day with Mrs H. She fed me on Sour Kratz - some Swiss dish of cabbage and etc etc. Jolly good. Meanwhile I did an exceptionally good water colour portrait of her (although I say it myself). One of my best ever I think.

I have Pop's letter of 1st July with me today, which was nice to get. I quite agree with Pop's views on Jimmy making a decision. I think J. tried a bit to draw me out on D. what I thought of her, but I did my best not to make conversation about her. Just sat back and let him tell me that she was "Intelligent." !! Yes, I agree, thoroughly he has got to make his own decision about her. He is bound to decide after a bit, for better or for worse.

I had a long chat on the phone last night with Mrs Rogers, and we both agreed that she needs to be pitied, especially with a mother like Mrs B. She says she tells her off occasionally, as there are things she does not approve of (I can imagine, can't you? however!!) As we agreed the children are what count, and she says lots of good people in Stratford are doing a lot for her.

Well, I said, I hope it won't all fall on stony ground, and sometimes the things we pray for don't come out quite as we expect!! Corinna has heard that she's good at teaching!!)

Yes, I do feel that there are a lot of people here who are his friends - certainly I have had nothing but smiles where ever I go. Not a word said mind you, except Martin Langdon who would have gone on telling me stories, only his wife shut him up, quite rightly I think.

I shall probably come back and stay with Mrs Harris if I can, although I have met her at tea that day. However, having Enid and Corinna with me, nothing at all was said, just as well.

Had a nice letter from Mary Cake - give her my love when you next see her.
----
Today and yesterday we are tidying up and cooking, and Enid is doing an awful lot of work as usual (Jack knew what he was doing when he married her)

Yesterday we met again, her brother, I liked him - with a real Scottish sense of humour - Enid has not much.

Tomorrow we are going up to Rotorua for about a day and will hope to meet Jimmy on Saturday. They say its a long drive, but it will be fun if the weather is good. Back Sunday or Monday, and then on 15th, Wednesday I catch a plane from New Plymouth to Wellington and have about three hours their, and at 4.30pm fly to Sydney arriving at 6.50pm.

I hope to spend a night or two with the Scotts and either go up on Thursday to Maitland or perhaps go up with Joe on Friday, if he is going.

I had a letter from Mrs Rowe this morning - the hardworking little woman who works at J's camp. She says, no signs of Jimmy moving that she knows of, and they now have about 30 "boys." They get a day off when it rains, but she never gets a day off - lets hope she's well paid.

She says she didn't get a row for helping me to gatecrash the camp and hopes to see me again!!

Lovely warmish day, and fancy being able to sit out and write this letter in the sunshine. We had more of Jack and Enid's films last night. Very good. I have taken in a few toy hats and toys I got on the ship for Jimmy's children to Mrs Rogers. I feel she is a very good person - in spite of not being able to stick her own husband!! So by this time next week I'll be in dear old Aussie - when covered in snow. Have you seen it like that? We shall start tomorrow for Rotorua.

Lois is going back to Rabaul in August and I may go with her - Enid says I mustn't miss an opportunity of seeing more of the world. Her brother gets married in Newcastle on 25th July.

Much love and next time you write it will be to Australia - I wonder if it will take more than 5 days.
Lot of love from Pat

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Stratford, NZ continues . . .

Thursday 9th July 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
(nothing written)

Friday 10th July 1964 - Taupo
Left early (11am) to go to Taupo. I was sick en route! Mrs Hurliman came too. Stopped at Taupo in a nice motel - Or mottle as Mrs Hurliman calls them.

Saturday 11th July 1964 - Rotorua
Left 8.30am for Rotorua after ringing Jimmy Was taken around the hot springs by Rangi - world famous guide all dressed in red. Afternoon we went off to Jimmy's forest, which we eventually found him and took him back to Rotorua, was rather fun. Jimmy lit a big fire. He slept in the room where it was. - cheques. Picture framed. Wool.

Sunday 12th July 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Took Jimmy to a taxi stand and left him to get home. Set off for home. Stopped at some hot springs en route. Had a hair raising drive back round by Whangamomona. Back about 7.20pm which was good. Jack is a marvellous driver. Had a Quell, so did not feel too tired.

Monday 13th July 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Quiet day. Rained very hard and blew hard too. Jack and Ken fixed up TV aerial. Letter from Jim, a bit late. Went into Stratford for a quick go to pick up Jack.

Tuesday 14th July 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Went into Stratford and got L.S.d, etc and fixed up about suitcase. Packed in the afternoon. Looked through Corinna's glory box in the evening.

Wednesday 15th July 1964 - Stratford to Sydney
Fly to Sydney. - Pouring with rain and very wet. Plane flight cancelled. Came to Wanganui with Jack and Enid. Paid £2.55 extra for ticket to plane. Came down at Para-whatnot. Stayed there till we got another plane to Wellington. Paid extra for my luggage. £5.15.00. Had an unpleasant travelling companion on the aeroplane. Reached Mascot at 7pm. (put clocks back 2 hours) Mr Scott there to meet me. Watched TV.

Thursday 16th July 1964 - Sydney
Slept in H.Scott's bed!! Caught 1pm train to Maitland. Changed at Hamilton. Very hot and had a bad headache. Reached Maitland at 4.30pm. Found Fred and Norah looking younger than ever - in big old rectory beside big church.(Cross St, Maitland). Primrose now grown up. Joe expected back tomorrow.

. . . . . . .

Rev. Frederick T. Palmer aged 75/76
Norah Palmer (ne Gerard) aged 52/53
Joe Palmer aged 17/18 son of Fred and Norah
Primrose Palmer aged 15/16 daughter of Fred and Norah

. . . . . . . .

Friday 17th July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Woke with bad headache, so had two aspros and stayed in bed till lunch time. After lunch, mostly stayed in all the afternoon. Joe arrived 9pm. Uncle Fred goes to bed about 8pm.

Saturday 18th July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Norah slept in my room because of Joe. After lunch we went for a ride round Maitland - Joe drove us. In the evening played the organ in the church. Joe does the stops and swell paddle very well.

Sunday 19th July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Norah slept with me as Joe was back. Early service. Norah played for the two hymns - we had a sermon too. Norah played at the Sunday School too. Joe took Norah and Fred and I into see Clarence Town. Saw the pool where Mummy and Daddy bathed. Went to Evensong at 7.30pm. Long lesson. Good sermon. Spoke to the clergyman. Joe caught 5pm train

Monday 20th July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Primrose went to Newcastle to find out about the typing college. Nothing much in the morning. Freya called. She dropped me at the post office and I walked back. Letter from the bank. Norah got ready for the party. Ruth Ferguson's 2nd birthday. Dara and Stan came out to the party. Bevin took some flash photographs.

. . . . . . . . . . .
Freya Ferguson (ne Palmer, sister of Joe and Primrose) aged 29
Dara Gibbs - (ne Palmer, sister of Joe and Primrose) aged

. . . . . . . . . .

Tuesday 21st July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Another lovely sunny day. Wash day. Norah mowed the lawn, and I raked the grass up and gave it to the cows and hens. Quite hot. Norah washed clothes. Mrs Newton came round! Primrose came back from school. Freya called in at 6pm with the children. Jane has a wed (ie twin) Norah went out to a musical evening. I sat by a fire. Primrose did her prep.

Wednesday 22nd July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Another lovely sunny day. Got ready for visitors. The Roberts (Rev. and Mrs) came to lunch after a funeral. He was from Northern Ireland. Then Betty Moore picked us up to take Norah and I off to tea with Mrs Capper. A Mrs Green and daughter. and two other elderly ladies there. Very luscious tea. They rang up Joe.

Thursday 23rd July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Letter off to Lois, and Mrs Scott at last. Walked down to letter box with Cousin Fred. Went down to Maitland in the car to do shopping. Back at 3.30pm approx. Did not go out. Sat round fire with Norah and wrote a letter to Jack and Enid.

Friday 24th July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Primrose went off on a trip to Gunnedah with a school friend. I washed hair. Letter from Mrs Mac and one from Lois. Norah worked in the garden. Went round to see Freya and all her children. She had a cold. Fred took us there, and Bevin brought us back. Dara and Stan (Gibbs) came to supper. Joe back, very amusing with his references.

Saturday 25th July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Norah played organ early. Joe up late. Nice day - windy. Did a lot of gardening with Joe, dug round bends. Freya came over late with her children. We had a good time with them playing in the sitting room afterwards. Went to the pictures wiht Norah and Primrose. "Murder at the Gallop." and an American one. Agatha Christie.
Memorandam - Background to Careers. Vocational guidance Bureaux.

Sunday 26th July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
I did not go to the early service. Neither did Joe. Went to 10am (family service). Freya was there with her four children. After lunch we went for a drive over to get some sand, where it was washed up. After tea Norah went to 7.30pm service with the canon. I played monopoly with Joe. Fred went to bed. Lois rang up from Cooranboy.

Monday 27th July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Washing!! Joe up late. Sat in the garden. Went down to the town, picked up Primrose and friend on way back at station. Norah, Joe and I played monopoly. Primrose went to (LVL?) with her boyfriend. Letter from Enid.

Tuesday 28th July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Did the ironing. Warm sunny day. Did a little digging late in the evening. Primrose went back to school for the last time. Back for lunch.

Letter - Tuesday, 28th July 1964

From - Miss Heath-Caldlwell, c/o Rev.F.J.M.Palmer, St.Paul's Rectory, Cross Street, Maitland, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia.
To - Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Mum and Daddy,

Hope all is well - and that the summer weather is good. Am now settling down in the Palmer family, and thoroughly enjoying a peaceful life. The sun shines beautifully each day from early dawn - approx 6.30am to 5.30.pm and its rather nice to sit out in the garden from 11.am till 4.pm (although we don't much, there are other things to do!) and then in the evening we sit round the fire (although Fred doesn't, he is an early bird - 6.am in the morning, and goes to be 7.30.pm). I haven't heard for some days from you so thought I ought to write, hope your weather isn't too exhausting.

Landed here to find them all overflowing with music as usual. On Saturday night as Joe was back from Sydney - we went over to have a go on the organ - which has two manuals and a lot of feet pedals. The church is as close to the house as the old rectory and church at Cattistock. It is a big, stone built church - completely done up since the last lof of disastrous floods which periodically submerge the lower floors of most of the houses in this area.

Joe cannot actually read music himself, but seems to be expert at the mechanics of music - and he worked all the stops and expression pedals for me and so between us we made quite a good effect. As Norah plays for all the services, we are allowed in there when we want to, and all the curates of course overflow into Norah's kitchen on Sundays.

Her little cow is going strong and she milks this every morning, and of course, I'm getting a good deal more milk (full cream) than I ever got at Enid's - where we drank tea seven or eight times a day and nothing else.

One evening Enid could not even let her daughter Corinna have a drink of milk which she asked for, as there wasn't enough. (Corinna looks fearfully pale and is supposed to be suffering from anaemia - nice look-out for any family she has, when she is due to be married in January)

We have been all over the place in Fred's car driven by Joe - back to Clarence Town and saw the river where you had the swim (Never to be forgotten I think!).

The third daughter, Freya, lives fairly close with four children (the eldest twin girls aged 5, very sweet) and her school master husband.

Joe is going to work soon on TV, in Sydney. Just the sort of job young Geoffrey Luckock wanted - I think Joe is the same sort of boy. He has a tape recorder - which he works well. He recorded Dara's wedding and played it over to us on Saturday evening a supper, with Fred taking the service - Norah at the organ and a delightful trio, Freya, Rossie and Primrose singing "The Lord's my Shepherd" and all the tiny children making noises in the background - it was quite an unusual record to listen to.

More anon. Did you know S.Porter lives about a mile from here!!!

All love from Pat, Letter from Enid saying she missed me. No news of D. or anyone else.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, NSW, Australia continues . . .

Wednesday 29th July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Primrose left school. Joe went to the dentist. Raining, and rained all night. After lunch Norah and Joe went to the hospital to have their blood tested. We shopped on the way back. Norah went to her concert practice in the evening. Freya came with her family at 5pm. Bevan and a twin have sore eyes. Took colour photos to be developed. Mrs Newton was taped. I played the piano for a long time. I went to bed early. Primrose went out with her boyfriend.

Thursday 30th July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Damp day for a bit. Norah and Joe went shopping in the morning. Freya and Ruth came while they were out. We packed up and had a picnic out at Paterson. Saw a lot of old churches - Gresford. Back 5pm. Mrs Newton's daughter came and had her hair cut, was taped! (Waste of tape) Went to bed early again. Dancing practice in sitting room.

Friday 31st July 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Letter from Daddy and bank (written on 23rd). Norah did washing. Nice peaceful day. No wind, nor much sunshine. Worked in garden all day. Freya and family came about 4pm. We went to church concert in the evening, which was exceptionally good. Norah's two little girls were good - also the hynotist. Primrose went out to TV with her boy friend.

Saturday 1st August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Very cold wind outside. Stayed in more. Norah's brother Jack not coming. After lunch walked over and watched the sport, going for a bit with Norah and Mrs Newton. (I drew her portrait). Then went for a hair-raising drive with Joe and Uncle Fred and Norah. Nearly went into a car because the brakes were weren't working properly. Dara and Stan came to tea. I drew Dara. She had headache. Primrose went out with her boy friend. (Conarti?) came over.
Memoranda - Write to Joyce Padwick. Ma and Pa (long one). Also Miss Mac. Buy cottonwool. Shilly. letter to Ma. Man who brings wood to P's.

Letter - 1st Aug 1964

From - Miss Heath-Caldwell, c/o Rev.F.J.M.Palmer, St.Paul's Rectory, Cross Street, Maitland, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia.
To - Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Mum and Dad,

Thank you for your two letters (23rd) received yesterday (31st). The 'go-slow' is a bore, I wrote 2 letters about 13th, and Enid posted them after 15th and then one the next week and one last week.

Life has been so exciting and 'non-stop' after arriving in this much 'alive' sort of family, and also I felt rather exhausted after the air-trip, that it has been hard to get down to letter writing.

Norah heard on the wireless about the go-slow (we don't read the newspapers much) and Fred's brother from Brisbane had not heard from some prospective immigrants. It must have put everybody out. Truth to tell these 10p worth aren't half big enough for me to put all my news down on, especially since arriving here - a very much more interesting and intelligent family than my late host and hostess's could ever be, partly because of the force of numbers as much as anything!

I agree with you about Martin (Langdon) being a more reliable friend than some of Jimmy's, but I was a guest in the other house, where Enid was the reliable one and she has not forgiven Martin for hindering J. at an earlier time over PIGS (of all things). All very tricky, but I just walked out to see Martin and Mrs (Langdon) and after that visit to Colin's I did not get out there again.

Martin (Langdon) could not do anything good, according to the Cooksons. Very tricky. They even thought that Martin had been very friendly with D. at one time. Well, Martin told me that, himself, that she had completely pulled the "wool-over" his eyes, but he sees through her alright now.

I quite agree that "appeasement" is a waste of time, she should be "appeasing" Jimmy. Jack (good detective that he is) says it would be a good thing to know more about her, but we do know through Corinna that the children are sent to school very clean which is something. She also takes an interest in Red Cross and leaves the children in a large garden to do with the people who own the house where she now lives (Walkers) while she mans the 1st Aid Post for basket ball.

The house where she now lives is about a mile on the Eltham side of Stratford - on the main road where the turn goes down to Ngaere. Otherwise, we must let her get on with it, its a good thing Mrs Rogers sees her occasionally, although mummy says "No sense of humour." However, even Mrs Rogers is not over-fond of her, no doubt after the affair of Mrs B. and her sister. She does her a good turn but finds it "hard work!"

The great thing is that Jimmy is back to normal, and hopes to go on to the more interesting place where they have a pulp factory. He told Jack that he could not go back to Stratford and just see his family occasionally, where he had such memories, and see her careering around the place; but might as well make the most of his time by himself and see more of the world he has not seen.

The few letters I have had from him since seeing him have been much less full of what's wrong with his "intestines" than before! I think being able to see the psychologist again, helped. However, he did confide in me that last morning at Rotorua that he was not really satisfied with his living conditions.

It still seems queer that Mr McCarthy should have told me not to "force" myself on J. After all that's what women are for - to look after men, and you'd think a sister could be some use in this case. Certainly, one sees how the women are appreciated in New Zealand, certainly it shakes one to see how courteous they were to me. Also in this country - or is it that I've been lucky with my friends?

Meanwhile, have had some lovely sunny weather here and done quite a lot of gardening. Love from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, NSW, Australia continues . . .

Sunday 2nd August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
I did not go to the early service taken by the canon. Very cold indeed. Nothing much in the morning. Cool day. Felt rather headachy. After lunch we worked in the garden. Norah and Primrose went to church in the evening. Freya and family came over. I went to bed early. Listened to tape recordings.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Primrose Palmer at Church 1964

Primrose Palmer at Church, Maitland NSW, August 1964

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Monday 3rd August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Very strong cold wind. Stayed in, in the morning. Primrose went to Newcastle to the business college. After lunch we went to the town. Back and Freya came. In the evening we went to their house for TV. Film about the 1st World War. Wrote to Miss Mac.

Tuesday 4th August 1964 (WW1 broke out 1914) - Maitland, NSW
Did some gardening, watering etc. Norah planted some plants. Mrs Newton came round. Woman (expectant) opposite, ill. Went to town after lunch. Letter from Miss Mac to Fred, also from Sister Porter. In the evening went out to TV at Freya's.

Letter - 4th Aug - 13th Aug, 1964

From - Miss Heath-Caldwell, c/o Rev.F.J.M.Palmer, St.Paul's Rectory, Cross Street, Maitland, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia.
To - Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Mummy and Daddy,

Here's a bit longer line than usual! Am just about settling in here and having a lovely time!! We are having an extra gay, amusing time, as young Joe is here on holiday, and also Primrose. She is just starting work as a student at a "business college" in Newcastle, and leaves the house here every morning at 7.30.am. She has masses of lovely fair hair and her current boyfriend is rather attractive too.

Joe begins working at a television studio in Sydney next week. He's not quite sure if he will like it or not, actually I think he is so thrilled he doesn't like to say so. He has a tape recorder and has endless fun using this instrument to record all kinds of strange people and events too.

One of the last recordings is of Dara's wedding last year. The service was a really family affair with Fred taking the service, Norah playing the organ, a trio (Freya, Rossie and Primrose) sang The Lord's my Shepherd, and all the grandchildren came in as a chorus - crying and yodelling and generally making a row!!\

....................................................

Stan and Dara wedding 1963 - with Norah and Fred

Stan and Dara wedding with Norah and Rev. Frederick Palmer

..................................................

We listened to this while having supper one day last week.

It is a rather anxious time finding Joe lodgings in Sydney too, and they hope they won't get someone too awful.

It is quite warm here in the middle of the day, but gets cold at night. They have not got telly here but Freya has it. Freya is married to a school master who lives at the other end of Maitland. She has little girl twins age 5, Anne and Jane. They are quiet, rather well behaved little girls compared with Elizabeth and Janet.

Then comes John, aged 4, and Ruth, aged 2. Ruth is, of course, very naughty. At the moment one of the twins has chicken pox, (don't ask me which). This means that one of them, which hasn't got chicken pox, goes to school. I believe she is not at all keen on going by herself. I think Freya has them taught dancing. Norah tells me the latest theory that the doctors have round here (in Australia) is that ballet dancing is good for delicate children. Queer thing is, its supposed to be good for any child who is inclined to be epileptic!!

Last week several C.of E's in Maitland put on a large concert here. We went, partly because Norah was playing the piano for two child ballet dancers. One of them had won a first prize for N.S.W. dancers, the dark haired one. The fair haired one was also good. They were aged about 11 and professional dancers, and apparently the fair haired one was supposed to be an epileptic.

.......................................................................

Norah Palmer 1964

Norah Palmer playing the piano

.......................................................................

Of course, four of them imitated The Beatles. There was also a hypnotist.

This Wednesday we are going to see a presentation of 'The Mikao' by Maitland Schools, the boys and girls high school. Joe and Primrose went here.

Norah and Fred (Palmer) had, as you know, a quiet life and yet there never seems to be a dull moment. They both look almost as young as when I was here last, Norah seems even more good looking. She was very sympathetic when telling me about her brother who has had troubles like J. Eventually he settled down with the right wife, but has to work like a nigger to keep two wives - a family, and one of his daughters who married R.C. and had 5 children and was then deserted! He owns a cinema, and knows all about that sort of life and has helped to get Joe into this job in Sydney.

The weekend following this (after August 14th) Ianthe comes to stay with her five children. Her family starts with twin boys! Just about then I pack up and go down to stay with the Connertons at Cooranbong. This is about half way between Newcastle and Sydney. From there Lois and I (and the baby - Robert) fly to Rabaul. This will be an interesting place to visit. I gather the Japs were there in the war

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, NSW, Australia continues . . .

Wednesday 5th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Freya came over in the morning, and left children here while we did shopping. At 1pm we caught the train to Newcastle and took a taxi to the TV Station with Joe. Had half an hour's view of the place. Back by 4pm. In the evening went to see 'The Mikado" at Maitland Girls High School, very good indeed. Norah baby-sat for some time at Freya's.

Thursday 6th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Nothing much in the morning. Except a lovely hot day. Norah and Joe went down the town. I sat in sun and got too hot. After lunch the compost heap was on fire. Put out by Joe. Went on car drive to Kurri Kurri and Cessnock - lovely modern high church at Kurri-Kurri - even bell on alter steps!! and reserved sacrament. Church built in 1909 at Cessnock (brick) with outside for cremations. Lovely modern arches.

Friday 7th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Ring Sister Porter. - did not! Busy hot day. Planted orange tree. Cut down the other tree. Letter from Mrs Scott. Joe went down town with Norah. They both went to see "The Mikado" at Maitland High School in the evening.

Letter continued on 7th August.

From - Miss Heath-Caldwell, c/o Rev.F.J.M.Palmer, St.Paul's Rectory, Cross Street, Maitland, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia.
To - Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

The weather has been pretty hot here in the middle of the day lately. Since starting this letter I have seen one famous hospital again - only it now has the huge nurses' home attached to it too. Joe has also taken us to see the magnificent TV station at Newcastle. Awfully interesting seeing all the different machines etc etc.

We have also seen several space films lately. Its quite obvious that they just use the inside of a TV station for the background. A lot of news seems to have come over lately about Vietnam.

We went to the school performance of 'The Mikado,' which was excellent. Norah goes tonight with Joe, as she was baby sitting for her daughter on Wednesday night. Primrose and I take charge tomorrow while Norah and Joe go to Sydney to find lodgings for him, and he will stay, she will be back by midnight.

Yesterday Joe took us on a trip round the coalfield area round here, which was interesting in a different sort of way. We went into a modern church at Kurri-Kurri built 1963. Beautifully furnished and lined with lovely dark wood, but very high church - even a bell on the altar steps, and the reserved sacrament and candles everywhere. Apparently the Church of England hopes for unity with the Catholics here, not the Methodists at all.

I have sent a whole lot of calendars for 1964 to Jimmy, with all kinds of colour photographs of this country so that he can decorate the inside of his little cabin, or perhaps give them to some of the "no-hopers" (Maoris) who are in the same camp as him.

If I could find an interesting paperback book I'd send it to him too, as that is his real hobby now - reading. There again, one doesn't often come across a really good book.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, NSW, Australia continues . . .

Saturday 8th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Norah and Joe left at the crack of dawn to go to Sydney to find digs and to find out about his job. They met his cousins. Got to Canon Bagley's house and were told about lodgings. Joe not sure about his job yet. Norah back 11.30pm. Quiet day. Had headache, so went to bed in the afternoon. Watered garden. Cousin Fred took me to see East Maitland church. Primrose got supper ready. I cooked it rather unsuccessfully.

Sunday 9th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
I did not go to the early service. Young David called in with his baptismal basin. Frightful cold wind - rough. Stayed in all day because felt so cold. Went to the evening service - David preached the sermon which was good. Went to bed fairly early.

Monday 10th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Call back. colour film. Save Pattinson this week. Cold wind. Norah did washing. I went into town after lunch to Galton's to get ticket. Felt better. Went to Mrs Newton's for Dr Carey, and the circus.

Letter continued on Tuesday 11th August.

Thank you both for your two letters. Mummy (16th to NZ and 4th August), and yours, Daddy of 1st August. Grand to hear such good news of the weather round August Bank Holiday. That must have been a change!

The weather has been windy here, and I find it extremely difficult to try and write letters really interestingly. (that must be a new American word, it should read "Letters of interest!")
I leave for Cooranbong on Monday 17th (about 30 miles south from here) address'
c/o Mrs Connerton, Morisset Road, Cooranbong, N.S.W.

Actually I leave there with Lois on Saturday night 22nd August from Sydney at 9.45.pm + baby to fly to Rabaul. Time approx: a month! depends on how long they stick me or I stick them.

Today I have been to see Sister Porter who sends her best wishes to you, and is still very much the same - most unflappable and very sweet. She lives with her younger sister and brother here. Her sister works as one of the home sisters in the new nurses home. She says everything is different there now, the nurses' home isn't locked till midnight, and the lights aren't switched off at all, etc etc etc: Anyhow they talked of old friends there, and I may go over there this week and see them. Anyhow, it was a great thrill to see her again. Many of them have died but some of the young ones are there.

Very good news that Jimmy has got some promotion in his job. This will show him that things are not nearly as hopeless as they are supposed to be by him, and that in spite of his illness he had lots of good training for doing various jobs which other people just have not got. I hope he will get some good advice from the doctor on diet (perhaps) or that he'll be able to fix the boil situation. He had one on his lip when I was there for the last week, there must be some foreign body in his blood -stream not doing any good.

Meanwhile, he'll have to struggle on and eat what is put in front of him in that place! I wonder would Ros's friend be any good to him? By road it is about 23-24 miles from Rotorua, and not difficult if you get clear directions. Of course, Rotorua is a great place to spend a holiday with Jimmy in his present place.

Thank you for your two interesting letters, mummy, I wish these could be as interesting! Something is always happening here which would interest you, and then when I come to write it down it all goes out of one ear, and out of the other. Enid sent me one which went to her. The one about the strike!

I'm glad you saw Mrs Greenaway from the factory. A nephew of theirs is at the Kawerau wood pulp place which Jimmy said he might go on to - Mrs G. told me it is a big place with plenty of social life etc (meanwhile I expect J. will stay where he is, now he has got promotion - I expect he is rather useful to the boss, with all those other young "no-hopers" there)

Sorry to hear about your bee sting, which I hope is now better. Your chopping down the hedges activities greatly tickles me. I have done a lot of gardening here with Norah and Joe. Her daffodils have been poor - but all the little shrubs will start to come out soon. She has a large garden - mostly lawn, and one corner for the hens. The cow and the calf are in the field and the front door opens on to the grassy space which the church is built on opposite us. So its not far for Norah to go to practice the hymns, nor for any of us to go to church.

We are going to put some flowering cherry trees in, because they will look so nice. We have put in a small orange tree, and cut down a bushy tree. Joe has trimmed up a lot of the beds. The westerly wind is the horrible prevailing wind here - brilliant sunshine, but the wind cold.
Do you remember the little man from Clarence Town who fetched you from the airport at Newcastle and took you in a very fast car to Clarence Town? He remembers you both, and continues to bring Fred and Norah wood to burn, about twice a week.

We have great talks on church music and all sorts of things, as Fred and Norah are great conversationalists. Joe is in the right job, they think, as he is inclined to be keen on acting and that sort of thing. As a matter of fact he has fallen into a job just what Geoffrey Lukock wants. I have given Mrs Luckock's book to Fred, as he is very interested in anything English.

Funny Dr.H. cutting off his moustache. How did his son get on? Pity he couldn't do something really interesting, instead of mixing with local boys who aren't very intelligent. Enid has written me two letters since leaving NZ so I must write back. Mostly all about her rather routine life, nothing further about D.
I think I will have to make the effort and see those children when I go back there in December or January.

Fred and Norah have been very helpful in me telling them about J's troubles. Fred says forget about D.

Ianthe and her husband arrive from South of Sydney on Friday about midnight with five children. They travel after dark, because he is a school master and doesn't finish and it helps to stop them being carsick, which they all are.

Do you remember the address of the Bishop of Wellington - so that I could perhaps stay there before I leave for home or sometime. If you hear of anything or anywhere Jimmy is going at Christmas before me, perhaps you can let me know.

Must stop now, much love from Pat

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, NSW, Australia continues . . .

Tuesday 11th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Still a cold day. Norah did a lot of cleaning. It rained for a bit in the morning. Caught a bus to Sister Porter's, there she was with her sister. Had a long chat. Walked back. Freya's children were with Norah. Freya had her hair trimmed. Darah came to supper and spent the night. Slept with me. Letter from Mummy.

Wednesday 12th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Rang up Matron Hills at 8.15am. She sounded very distant!! Spent the morning inside painting mustard pots etc. After lunch went out. Cold wind. The calf got out, rescued it. Wrote six letters etc etc. Glen came in on way back from Newcastle.

Thursday 13th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Still rather cold. Went to town after morning tea and Norah did shopping. I posted letters and got air ticket. After lunch went over to Freya's. Ruth pretty bad - deepy spots look bad. Better after she had a sleep. Norah and I went to see "Love's a Lunacy" at St.Paul's church hall. (Brian Rix's comedy once seen on TV). Very amusing.

Friday 14th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Quiet day. Washed in the morning. No wind, nice. Letter from Daddy in the afternoon saying about the letters being sent back to them. Felt rather depressed. The Asquiths arrived about 10pm. Don (Asquith) Ianthe. Ronald, Richard (twins - 8), Peter three. Mevington 4. Jennifer 2.
Ianthe Asquith (ne Palmer) - age 31 eldest child of Fred and Norah

Letter - Friday, 14th August 1964

From - Miss Heath-Caldlwell, c/o Rev.F.J.M.Palmer, St.Paul's Rectory, Cross Street, Maitland, Newcastle, N.S.W., Australia.
To - Captain the Rev. C.H.Heath-Caldwell D.S.C., Ret., The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Pop,

Thanks for yours of 8th August - with Jim's stale letter of 18th June. At that time I did wonder why he had not acknowledged the parcel - and wrote to make sure if he got it. He later wrote to say he had got it. (He must have thought I was nutty!) All the time I, of course, thought he was not "with it" as we say, and all the time it was D! Oh well, Cousin Fred said we should forget about her, but its certainly difficult when she goes on like that.

I'm sorry I missed your letters - and I still thought (and now I know I was right) that I had missed out a lot of home news - like what happened when Ros and John stayed with you - not a word about that!! That's why when "they" "all" (both Enid and Mrs Harris) said, oh you've now got the letter (one of Jim's addressed on). I knew instinctively that she'd got a whole lot more!!

Of course Cousin Fred says its breaking the law - and if the P.M. General or Stratford Postmaster annoys Dora, she'll only have it out on Jimmy - though, of course, I don't know what she could do to Jimmy besides writing and telephoning. She would certainly find it extremely difficult to find Rotoehu Forest - and she'd have to dump her children and go by herself. I'm sure some of the shots in the camp would mistake her for a grizzly bear!!

As for the book that was the little one I wrapped up and sent by Corinna to Hilary for her birthday. Now lets forget her! Jimmy is fit and that is the main thing. I'm glad you told McCarthy all the same.

Nice to know you have Danny with you. I wrote to Ros to give her an idea of where Jimmy is situated with regard to the friend who may contact him, also J's telephone number. Of course J's diet may not be too good to help contract the boils, they don't get froth milk (dried) and I don't think they get fruit. However, if he has been promoted he may get a better diet, and be able to look out for himself more. Certainly with boils around the mouth, one could help oneself with salt and water mouth rinses - or some harmless disinfectant in the mouth.

Joe Palmer has now been in the TV channel job three days and moving furniture - we had a most amusing letter from him today. Cousin Fred says its a good thing if we can have our hard knocks early in life, and then we know what to expect. How I agree.

Address in Rabaul.c/o Mrs Bruce Sharp, Box 61, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea.
Norah and I saw an amusing play at a repertory theatre last night On of BRIAN RIX's "Love is a Luxury." What a true statement these days.

Love Pat

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, NSW, Australia continues . . .

Saturday 15th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
The two boys slept in my room, but are to return to Woollongong on Sunday for a concert during the week. After lunch I went out to tea with Betty Moore. Another nurse was there from Stewart's and Lloyds (industrial nursing). They talked about R.N.H. and afterwards "the Pill." Freya and family came to tea. Dara and husband to supper.
Memoranda - Shilly, Joyce Padwick. Jane.

Sunday 16th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Went to the early service with Janete. Fred in the back of the church . Don and Primrose looked after the children. Early lunch and Don went off to Woollongong with his two eldest boys. After lunch we were out in garden for a bit. Biked with book on Dobell back to Miss Moore's. Missed the evening service. Washed clothes. Ianthe's hair too long.

Letter - 16th Aug 1964
From - Jack Cookson, Salisbury Rd, No.4 R.D., Stratford, Taranaki, NZTo - Captain Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorest, England

Dear Captain,

I must say it is very nice to hear from you again, also to note that everything is going ok with you and our English mother over there, I do hope that one day Enid and I may visit you again.

We have some good pictures of you all that we often see so you are all very fresh in our minds.

Well, we had Pat with us for a time and I do hope that she felt at home with us, of course I do like to tease her, we all went over to Rotorua and then up into the bush to see Jim. Now I find Jim very well and nearly normal. He came back to Rotorua with us and we all stayed at a hotel.

I find that he still thinks a lot of Dora and of course blames himself for everything, he's quite wrong of course, perhaps time will fix everything, I sure hope so. I don't know if dear D. is playing up or not, we don't seem to hear very much about her. Since I can't understand how she got those letters and for the silly to send them back to you instead of sending them to us, it all seems so silly of her, but what else can one expect?

Now, if ever you two people wish to come to NZ don't ever forget our house is open to you, and we would just love to have you at any time, you can always leave Lilly in charge so it would not be impossible, would it.

Jim's farm seems to have a good man on it and it will now be run as a unit again thats good for it. Well, I seem to be getting tons of work to do and have been very busy ever since we got back.

Now all of my best regards to you both, Jack Cookson.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, NSW, Australia continues . . .

Monday 17th August 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Packed in morning. Ianthe had a temper!! Went down town - train half an hour later than expected. Lois met me at the station. Has a cold. Father and mother just the same, but houses are built up around here a lot. Cold at night.

Tuesday 18th August 1964
We had a easy day. Walked to Cooranbong to do some shopping. Saw the 7th Day Adventists place - old people's homes, new. Quiet evening. Earlish to bed.

Wednesday 19th August 1964
Breakfast early 7.30am. Then we all set off for Gosford by car. Mr Connerton at work. Reached Gosford at 9.30am. Cup of coffee with Burne's mother, aunt and sister-in-law. Then on by train to the Cruikshank's at Cheltenham Rev. and Mrs Connerton, Methodists. Her mother was an artist. Their son works at Maitland High School. Daughter a doctor with Lois at Vila. Rev. C. married Lois. Stopped back at Gosford for cuppa and drove home. Pretty (sour faces?)

Thursday 20th August 1964
Papers full of R.N.H. and the doctor's thing. Quiet day. Carred down to Cooranbong and saw Seventh Day Adventists College. Sat in sun in the afternoon. Quiet evening. Washed in the morning.

Friday 21st August 1964
Quick trip to Cooranbong in the morning. Left at 2pm. Arrived Gosford 3.30pm Hot. Did some shopping. All family there, including brother Jack Sharp who is a missionary. Watched TV and listened to songs of the islands.

Saturday 22nd August 1964 - Syndey
Went down the town for shopping with Lois. At 3.45pm Lois's parents arrived and her sister-in-law Peggy. Went up to Bent St for tea. At 5.17pm Lois and I and Robert and Peggy left for Central. Tom met us. Also Mary, Janet and her husband. Went to a chinese restaurant for tea. At aerodrome by 8.45pm. Got in at 9.30pm. But delayed for half an hour, so came out again and talked to them again. Delayed a further 3/4 hour at Brisbane. Engine trouble. Met some friends of Lois there, with two attractive children. 2 hours from Sydney to Brisbane - left at 2.30am. Reached Port Moresby 8.15am. Hot and dry and lots of black people. Lois's friends not there to meet her.
Memoranda - Book. Magnificent Obsession by Llody C Douglas.

Sunday 23rd August 1964 - Rabaul.
Soon on to Lae - 1 hour. Here we changed planes. Nearly held up the plane!! Small aircraft on to Rabaul. Arrived here at 1.15pm. Bruce to meet us with black man. Frightfully hot. Went up to house, then went down to a picnic of black people who were listening to a band of the aerocraft Melbourne. Felt pretty tired and went to bed early.

Monday 24th August 1964 - Rabaul
Felt awful. Lay down. Lois gave me two aspros (asperin), also a dose of salts. Had a little bit of lunch as headache went. Then Lois and Bruce went out and the enos worked so well - I vomitted everything up too!! Felt better, but dreadfully tired. Read book in bed. Lois had a dinner party and asked two friends adn their children. Slept fairly well, and was much better . Good old Eno!!

Tuesday 25th August 1964 - Rabaul
Woke up with a really clear head. Played with baby in the morning. Had lunch. Rested after lunch. Went down to Methodist mission and Bruce gave me two baskets - really too much- what can I do? Bruce out at Rotary club. Lois went out to her church meeting. I baby-sat for a little time. Then was taken down to the methodist Lady's Guild where I was dropped. Found it in the end - rather frightening!! Bad dreams.

Wednesday 26th August 1964 - Rabaul
Feeling better today. Letter from Daddy. Also note from Mrs Connerton in the evening.. Wrote a long letter to Daddy in the morning. After lunch, rested, and then sat out in the garden with Robert. Lois just asked the black man to do anything and he does it. Washes up and cleans shoes etc, pumps water. Read good book.

Thursday 27th August 1964 - Rabaul
Went down to shops at 9am. Back about 12mid. Met several people. Rested after lunch. Thundery, rained in evening after supper. Walked round garden with Bruce and baby. Lois went to guide hut. Started to write to Mrs Connerton.

Letter - 27th Aug 1964 - Pack 5

From Miss P.C.M Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul, PNG
To - Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell,The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester

(first page missing)

...friend whom Norah likes, but does not think he will do as a husband - they are both only 16. He is a great tennis player, and does it for N.S.W.

Queer thing, those children always having colds. Good old Spencers getting a farm on the Mendips, but how dull, just barley! Nice news from Mr Coles about a dividend, I thought insurance meant you had to wait till you were at least 60 before you got anything back. Yes, the standards some people have are low, it must be up to us to set the young a good example.

Hope you had a good dinner with the Grants, but by the time you get this I shall have heard more. E's baby must be nearly there - love to Peggy when you see her - tell her I haven't done much painting, but its not from lack of subjects - as more laziness.

Well, now to tell you that since writing you the last letter - I have indeed arrived in Paradise. Perhaps one should call it the garden of Eden! Only there is a baby - seven months and a guest - not to mention a Papuan who sweeps the floors and does the washing up.

At first the shock of the beauty of it and the heat (we are about 4° from the equator) prostrated me especially after the air trip. So I received your letter while resting in bed - Lois had some guests to tea (the evening meal or dinner at 6.30.pm). But there is nothing like some enos! and two aspirins! and by yesterday I was back to normal.

From Lois's mother at Cooronbongt we went down by car to Gosford. This is a town about 50 miles north of Sydney, by car for Friday night with her in-laws - Bruce's parents. Mrs Connerton told me before I left, how sad she had been that you had not been able to come and see them last time you were in Aussie.

At the Sharp's house we found their eldest son and wife on holiday - he is Chief Methodist missionary in New Guinea. That evening we listened to tape recordings of many children singing from all over these islands in a choir festival they had had; they were mostly singing hymns. Next day mother and father Connerton came down by train with one of their daughters-in-law to see us off. Peggy Connerton came with Lois and I and Robert to Central Station, after being seeing off by Grandmother Sharp and Aunty - and son and daughter-in-law (tribes in fact).

At Central Station we were met by Thomas (has been in the police force a week - and looks remarkably tough) who was pleased to see his wife ( Last time I saw him, he was 11) Peggy (only married a month).

Anyway, after meeting more and more Connertons, now married, at Sydney, we went and had a last supper at a Chinese restaurant! (of all places, this shook me, but it didn't affect my digestion till two days afterwards!)

Also having supper at the chinese place were two teenage boys who had come (about 15 years old I should think) down in the same carriage with us, carrying guns which looked only like smallish machine guns. (After all these hair-raising activities is it any wonder I had to spend Monday resting!)

Finally we took wings and flew off, after a false start in which we left the plane once as they found something wrong with a wheel, for half an hour and this rather astonished our host of farewelling friends!! Then we took two hours to get to Brisbane and had a wonderful view of the lights as we went up, and also of Brisbane as we came down again.

Further trouble at Brisbane - having arrived at 12.15.am we waited till about 2.am before it was fixed. Here, Lois had some friends to meet her, a nice little family who had only driven about 200 miles to see her, but they were on holiday. He reminded me of Drake-Brockman and she was fair and fluffy and very nice, and two terribly attractive looking children.

Then we set off for the next stage across the Coral Sea to Port Moresby, about 1800 miles. This took us five hours, and we finally reached there about 8.15.am.

It was a pretty bumpy trip - as much as the NZ one I did, but I managed to doze off a bit. But the Trans Australian airline do not put over so many good messages as the Quantas I came in, but anyhow, no-one was hysterical, (the passengers I mean). We had a very good breakfast, a very good omelette and tomatoes with a pot of honey. Port Moresby was little place, very hot - dry heat. If you look on the map it is in Papua (which belongs to Australia).

Lots of black people here, so I kept close to Lois. Her friends did not meet her here, but she did meet someone she knew - a mother and a father with two children. Lois told me that the little girl was dumb, but apparently not deaf. Under care of psychiatrist, but with no effect so far.

We weren't there very long, thank goodness. Then on to Lae which is on the N.E. coast of East new Guinea (this belongs to United Nations). At Lae we were out first, of the plane, but as we had to fix our permits, we were last on to the next plane, and they had to broadcast to tell us to hurry!!

The next plane was a little one, with no air conditioning, and jolly hot. From Lae we flew over to Rabaul - which took us three hours - Rabaul is on the eastern tip of New Britain.

Finally, we came down about 1.15.pm. The air strip was near the lovely harbour with the volcanoes round them - Also the aircraft carrier 'Melbourne' was in the harbour paying a visit.

Bruce met us with his little black boy. (His wife is shortly to produce a piccaninny). Then he drove us up to the house, which is up out of the town looking down on the harbour. Garden full of every kind of exotic plant, and glorious flowers, a house most attractive. Bruce is a bit of an artist, used to knit his own socks and also cross-stitch! He never stops talking, and is most amusing.

The band of the Melbourne was playing in the park, it being Sunday, and everyone was out to see them. Well, I 've never seen so many natives. We stayed for a bit and had a rest on the grass with the baby. There were so many black people, that we never saw the band, let along hear it. Also, we were soon surrounded by black people looking at us, especially Baby Robert's new bouncy thing he sits in. So Bruce said we had better go; Lois is, of course, used to all these people having worked in various hospitals, New Hebrides, the next island lying east of this.

Monday I spent mostly recovering from the effects of everything.

Yesterday we went down to the Methodist Missionary shop, where Bruce insisted on giving me two native baskets to bring back. One is especially for you Mummy, for putting them up those nights.

They have taken me on two drives (no one ever walks here, very lazy I'd say!) and we went through a lot of native encampments, and up past the caves where the Japs shut themselves in during the war. Also had another view of the bay with two islands sticking up in the middle, and the volcano called the mother which stands at the side.

Then it came on to rain, heavily, so we came home, but escaped the rain. Bruce has a big library of books - and gramophone records and a wireless galore.

I went to a Methodist women's guild meeting last night, and learnt some interesting things about how they organise the women in the church. They meet once a month and volunteer to do everything - even a roster to welcome people to the church, and to ask strangers to come to coffee with them! Also they all do sewing together for good causes. Lois is to be treasurer while the proper one goes on 3 months holiday.

Dear Daddy, received yours of 18th August today - 25th. Actually it came yesterday, but I did not get it till today. (run out of airmail paper) as you didn't put Box 61 on it, so it went to the Methodist Mission by mistake.

Lois says they aren't cannibalistic here, in spite of what they were, merely knifing each other when necessary. Her man and wife live in a hut at the end of the garden, no bigger than the little hut Jimmy has. But how is it, it certainly doesn't seem natural to me all these people living in poverty and the (us) living in wealth, great extremes. Basically bad I should think. I gather the Aussies here pay big taxes, but they must have big wages.

I'm now sitting out in the garden with the glorious scent of frangipanis round me in the air, although there is another scent now as baby Robert sitting beside me on the rug, looks as if he's filling his pants!! Doing great exercises touching his toes at the same time.

Not far up this road are the two pillars of stone, all that remains of the gateway to the German residency when the Germans were in command of this place before the first world war.

Bruce spends most of his day in the office, but comes back for lunch, and six o'clock tea. So for Lois its a bit lonely, when she has been used to a crowded nurses's life.

Altogether so many thoughts crowd into my mind with all these new impressions that I cannot get them all down on paper. Needless to say there will be an awful lot to tell you when I get back.

We have two showers a day, and all kinds of homemade ice cream which Bruce makes.

I haven't heard from Jimmy lately, in fact not since I last saw him. I was asking Lois what she thought about boils. She said she thought they were at times signs of a change of living, both emotional and otherwise. As she had them once of a whole year when she was nursing, and I certainly ha(ve?)

This letter will probably be posted tomorrow (26th) when we go shopping.

Meanwhile, tons of love, from Pat

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Friday 28th August 1964 - Rabaul
Hot day. Fine in morning: Started drawing of flower in garden. Bitten by mosquitos. Came in. Lois took baby down the town. Did picture of Robert. Fairly successful. Lois preparing all day for dinner in the evening. Thundered a bit in the afternoon, went down with Bruce and Robert to see someone, but it rained too hard. Back and met Miss Money and the Schalengbergers for supper. Luscious supper with Lois. Bruce showed us his pictures afterwards - very good.

Letter - Friday 28th Aug 1964

From James A.Heath-Caldwell, Rotoehu State Forest, R.D.6, Te Puke, NZ
To - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, via Rabaul, PNG

Dear Pat,

Thank you for your last letters and also for the calenders etc you sent from Australia. Apologies for not replying but really nothing much has happened to reply about. Existence continues much the same as usual. Forty hours work during the week and then two days off at the weekend which I usually spend in bed with a book.

We have had one or two arrivals and departures lately. Two English boys - aged about 21 and 23 I should think - were here for about 3 weeks. They had bicycled here from England and had a look at all the countries of the world en route. They spent their time in Australia, when they were not touring - on fruit farms in Victoria I believe. Their plans were to go back to England via Australia and Canada and the States.

When they left here they were headed for another logging camp or alternatively, to join a travelling circus where they were to assist as tent hands. This, they thought, would ideally combine business with pleasure - plenty of girls etc etc.

Also arrived in the past six weeks is a retired naval man who has been in submarines since the war and having now done 30 years in the Service, has retired to a quiet place. He has come here mainly because he found that married life was not to his liking, his wife having run off with another man in England, so he says. Probably six of one and half a dozen of the other. He seems to have lived a Batchelor life all his time in the navy too - so whats sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander too, I suppose.

The weather has improved lately - spring being just around the corner. This has made life a bit, but not much more bearable. I shall probably remain here for another few months at this rate but eventually I expect I'll end up in Auckland or somewhere like that - but paying Dora £5 a week does not leave me much to come and go on or save and I live a very reclusive existence.

Saw the doctor again and complained to him about feeling weak etc which I had thought was due to the drugs but he says my last illness will have weakened me and I won't get strong again, which was a bit of a blow. My brain, which will not remember things for ten consecutive seconds, and general awareness and alertness of the brain is not as it should be. I am fortunate indeed in not having to do really hard work now - unless you call walking through the forest marking trees hard work. This has to be done by somebody so that the gangs know what trees to prune or fell or to work on.

I am now designated a Forest Hand II which means I get paid a little bit more than before for a little bit less work, but I have to use my head more when sorting out trees.

The 2IC here is an Englishman from Yorkshire who is married to a Lancashire lassie. They have been in New Zealand about a year and his wife is suffering from loneliness and does not get on well with the Kiwis which must make life a bit awkward for him I should think. They have no car or means of getting about so that cramps their style somewhat. In fact, her reaction to the Kiwis reminds me of Dora's initial reactions. I expect, in time when they know a few more they'll find some friends. He has an awkward job to do because he is responsible for forestry planning here and has actually spent more time in University learning about it - which training the Kiwis here have not had although they probably know more about the usual run of the mill forestry here. Anyway there is plenty of friction among the brass here.
How do you find New Guinea? My regards to your hosts.

Yours, Jimmy.

(note from Pat) - Mummy. P.P.S. from Pat. I don't know if I said already, but I'll probably be staying on here in Rabaul till October!!!

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Saturday 29th August 1964 - Rabaul
Much cooler and still raining hard (72 degrees temp.) Went down to the Bong (Market) with Bruce. Interesting. Rested in the afternoon. Bruce went to golf in the afternoon. Lois went and did the flowers in the church after supper.

Memoranda - Book - "Madam de Maintenon" by Nancy Mitford. Description of Choisuel (Duc de) "He was an aristocrat with all the air and manners of one, and the King felt more at ease with him than with any other minister he had ever had. - He was always in roisterous spirits, had the capacity of explaining a complicated situation in a few particular words, did not go droning on about things, never hesitated or wavered, and knew exactly what he thought should be done next. When the day's work was over, he cast aside the cares of state, and was ready for a bit of fun."

Sunday 30th August 1964 - Rabaul
Went to 8.30am service with Lois. Bruce and Robert, in his best clothes. Lasted till 10.30am. Big church nearly full. Lots of Papuans. Then went round to see Miss Money who had hurt her ankles. Buckets of iced water. After lunch slept for hours, then sat in garden. Bruce and Lois went to evening service, with a film, I had wind. B.O.!! Then went to bed after a hot bath.

Monday 31st August 1964 - Rabaul
Lois up early to do washing. I was up at 6.45am!! Quiet morning. Gusty at times in the day, ending up with a rumble and an earthquake in the evening! (Wrote to Mrs Connerton and Mrs Sharp) Rested in the afternoon and did the ironing for Lois. Went down to see a young friend's baby (11 days). Robert good today. Lois did sewing in the evening on machine.

Tuesday 1st September 1964 - Rabaul
Good day.Sat in the porch doing sketch. Robert wiht me. Rested after lunch. Letter from Mum and Daddy. Mummy ill last week, with letter from Ros too. Bruce to Rotary. Lois did sewing.

Wednesday 2nd September 1964 - Rabaul
Took Malaria pill after breakfast. Lois up early washing day. Most of teh day spent in getting ready for party in the evening. Slept after lunch. Four children came. One little girl was sick - 2 years - could not walk. Lovely party - songs. Then sweet and some chicken and fried rice. Nice pudding and ice cream. All Bruce's pictures again, very good.

Letter - 2nd Sept 1964

From - Miss Heath-Caldwell, c/o M.L.Sharp, c/0 P.O. Box 61, Rabaul, New Guinea
To - Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester,
England

Dear Mummy and Daddy,

Thank you for yours of 27th and 23rd. I do hope that you are better, mummy, you must have been exhausted after the visitors, and also Lily being away, (I didn't realise she was away for so long). I was quite pleased to get a letter from Ros, first for some time - evidently my letter of description of how to get to Jimmy will be some use to her. Very glad to hear that she has written to him, because one feels he should meet people who are of a kin with hm.

No, I haven't heard from him myself at all since I left with the Cooksons that day, although I've written to him once and sent him some pictures for his hut. But, honestly, if he has no news and has only to talk about boils, I think I let it be understood that he needn't write too many to me unless there was something to report. However, I could gird up my pen (not loins!) and write him a letter about this place!!

Bruce has asked me for something! He is a very nice person. If you are mobile and mummy is better and you are near a post office that could help, would you be able to get a set of Shakespearian stamps - that is one of each? He says it would cost you about 15/- and he will give me the £.s.d. which I could give you on my return. If possible, perhaps one lot for Cousin Fred too.

Life continues to be very great fun here - the only thing is that I'm getting out of the practice of doing anything, although I have done two quite good pictures of the baby. I don't know why they are considered difficult to do. (the temp 88°F yesterday) Also started to do the scene from their front door - the view of the "Mother" - the volcanoes behind the house.

We had a small earthquake here the other night - always happens after rain here. I did not feel it - Lois did. In fact the wooden house shakes every time Lois walks up and down it.

We have music all the time on the wireless - mostly guitar which I like and good songs. I can almost talk in Papuan - Lois does it herself very well. Our temp dropped from 90° to 70° last Saturday.

We live on "Snobs Hill", Rabaul, very cool compared with down in the town. Lois gets up at 5.30.am three times a week to do the washing which Annis (helps her - the black boy). Today, four children and three adults are coming to tea (dinner as we would call) and to see about 100 slides of Bruce's. He rushes them through too quickly to be as good as they could be.

Now, cheer up, Mummy, I hope that you are really feeling better. The little thin black tom kitten 'Chianti' sends his love to you. Also Lois and Bruce.

Love from Pat.

Bruce has bought me two huge native baskets, how I'll get them back I don't know.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Thursday 3rd September 1964 - Rabaul
Quiet day. Had a quiet morning, after Lois took me up and round Nonga where the other branch of the hospital is. Rested after lunch. In the evening Bruce went out to choir practice. Lois and I sewed, me a night dress.

Friday 4th September 1964 - Rabaul
Letter from Jimmy - very good one. Good morning - quiet. After lunch Lois went out to afternoon tea with ABC friends at tea party. Then about 5.30pm we set off for a place called Kagakada. For Stanley and wife to give a farewell party to two people from the mission shop. Outside - lovely - ring of chairs. Not much conversation except with an English girl. Robert slept in back of car.

Saturday 5th September 1964 - Rabaul
Lois went down to guide hut at 9.30am. Earthquake shook at 1pm. (Force 4 according to Bruce). Went out to fete for girl's hostel at 2.30pm. Very hot. had cup of tea. Bought shirt. Back, felt very bad. Headache. Fred came to tea - plays organ, violin. Had dog (daschund) We went to see the "Cardinal." Good film.
Memorandum - Christmas cards.

Letter - 5th Sept 1964

From - James A. Heath-Caldwell, Rotoehu State Forest, R.D.6, Te Puke, New Zealand
To - Mrs C.H.Heath-Caldlwell, The The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England.

Dear Ma,

Very sorry to hear you have been laid low with the 'flu.' It sounded as if it was the same sort that has been rampaging around here during the winter. Thank goodness we haven't been troubled much by it lately.

I have still got a small boil which continues to discharge from my upper gum in my mouth but it has never hurt me at all so I don't bother unduly about it - but it does seem a long time in going away.

Work continues as usual in the forest. I feel I have been very lucky in there in getting a job which isn't quite as monotonous as some of the work in the gangs. The work is not actually lumber-jacking as Ros seemed to assume but rather of a silvicultural nature. A lot of my work consists of marking trees for particular purposes - so that certain operations are done to them. In the long run my marking will decide what different sections of the forest look like in the years to come.

As I said, this is quite novel work for me but I do find it very tiring and unfortunately I find I'm slow at it which makes me worry about losing my job which is all a vicious circle. My memory unfortunately is just not up to the average - but still the only thing is to press on and hope for the best.

The camp is now quite full - altogether there must be about 40 men in it now, I should think, and we pakehas are in the minority. I'm told that at this time of year when the employment in the countryside is a little slack many come to the forests for work and that as the spring comes and the fine weather the numbers will gradually decrease.

The two Australian globe trotters have left for a job in Auckland and another pair of Englishmen, brothers, have also left here. They were to have joined a circus as tent hands and may be touring NZ with a circus now but somebody has said that the wages in that kind of show are very low.

A retired English sailor now lives in a hut one up from mine. He spent 30 years in the navy and has seen most of the ports of the world and most of the pubs in the ports as well I should think. Somehow his marriage foundered when he retired when he wanted a quiet life and his wife didn't.

There is very little to do at the weekends here so I spend most of my days off in bed reading a book - which is alright provided I have a good one to read. We also play cards a lot. The 2ic here thinks that the Forestry Service could well devote more funds to improving camp facilities instead of spending it on other expensive things like making rather unnecessary roads in the village and buying extra palatial buses to take us to work in at £2-3000 per bus. In fact they take more care of the machinery here than the human element which is perhaps natural these days when machinery does so much but of course it rankles a bit with me.

Am reading Errol Flynn's autobiography which is somewhat lively.
Hope you are better now.

Love Jimmy.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Sunday 6th September 1964 - Rabaul
Felt very tired. Bruce went to morning service. Lois and I rested. Rested in the afternoon. Bruce and Lois went to meet friends at the airport (Mitchells, whose daughter had died after op for congenital heart in Gt. Ormond St Hospital) Bruce went to evening service by himself. Roberts has cold. In bed by 6.30pm. Slept the clock round! Buria(?) at 9.15pm. Shook bed a bit.

Letter - Sunday 6th Sept 1964

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mrs M.L.Sharp, P.O. Box 61, Rabaul, New Guinea

To - Capt & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England.

(Sitting out on a deck chair under a frangipany tree, blossom all over the ground)

Dear Pa and Ma,

Thank you for yours of this week, with enclosures. I do hope Mummy is better now. The mail for me was very good this week, a long letter from Enid, all about the calves on the farm, and the fact that I had won a cake with a raffle ticket when I went to her women's meeting; also a very good letter from Jimmy which I thought you might like to read too, as you said that you had not heard for some time from him.

He has evidently found someone with like troubles, so perhaps he will get some helpful advice from someone who KNOWS!!

I see he is still sending D. money per week, but that has not gone up although his wage packet has. (this sounds like an advance towards saving more for himself!) However, I don't think that I should dare comment on it.

He still takes rather literally what the doctors say about his recovery, but there is no mention of boils, so perhaps they are gone.

We have had another very interesting pleasant week, weather eternally summer as usual. We had another dinner party when Bruce showed more of his pictures, including one of the Pound House. Also went out to a farewell party for one of the staff at the mission shop and his wife, who are shortly leaving for Tasmania. She was presented with a beautiful lace tablecloth (made in China, I think).

This was about 10 miles out, passed many native huts. The pastor's (or Methodist minister) home had a lawn stretching down to the sea. About thirty of us sat round on a ring of chairs with electric lights up, and had a feast. The children came too, and we then had a speech (after the singing of grace) and presented the cloth. Baby Robert came too and slept in the back of the car. (He has since caught a cold, but it may be to do with the two teeth he has developed in the last fortnight).

We went out to this place in the evening 5.30.pm and it is always dark at 6.15.pm, and as we went we saw the palms silhouetted against the sunset by the sea shore. (just like those tropical island films) Occasionally natives bathing in the sea. (I have not bathed yet, as Bruce and Lois don't swim much, but perhaps I'll get one yet!).

Of course it takes me ages to get used to all the glorious tropical flowers and the lovely leaves and things.

Yesterday we had a terrifically exciting day. I suppose the climax was the earthquake or burra (or something like that) just as we were finishing lunch. Everything began to rattle and this lasted for well over half a minute, and it got worse, the house was almost rocking. Bruce was standing up to keep his balance, and Lois grasped Baby Robert. As the rocks were at its worst, great rumblings went on and died away in the distance. Then it stopped. He said it was probably force 4. The worst they get is force 8.

We went to a fete in the afternoon, and in the evening we went to see a film, "The Cardinal." This was all about a book called "The Cardinal" which Bruce had read and said was very good. Of course the film turns out to be not like the book, but it was good all the same.

I find it very amusing listening to the news or items on the wireless in pidgin English.
"He sang fines fight 'em guitar." means to Play the guitar well.

"Have you got the copper going? is "Have you start copper finish?"
On of Lois's supper parties we had "This Lice"!!

I am very tickled at the washing machines, everywhere I've been (well, only about three homes) people have washing machines like your old 'servis.' Mind you, they are none of called 'servis' but they are all on this pattern.

Mr Tom MPaoya's (Mboya) visit does not seem to have caused great changes or anything. Some man who is in Parliament says the natives here are happy as they are and do not want change, so the papers say if you believe them. They have just abolished trial by jury which Bruce says is queer. If a white man does something bad he is not entitled to a trial by jury, just because the black men aren't. This seems rather a retrograde step. Only a judge can try them, but anyhow, they would always appeal to higher authorities.
Bruce is trying to persuade me to buy a very good kind of Kodak camera with no gadgets that would take good colour slides (fairly cheap).

The certainly are a most enterprising pair, these two - Lois certainly was lucky when she met him. His asthma is pretty well cured but he has a good sense of humour. His old father fought in the army in 1st world war and remembered Salisbury Plain. Am still trying to finish my sketch of "Mother" the volcano, not Lois.

Love from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Monday 7th September 1964 - Rabaul
Felt much better. Lois up early doing washing. Painted picture, fairly satisfactorilly!! Did ironing after lunch. Took Robert for a walk up the path to where the residency is. Then went down to the town with Bruce to look at films. Came back, and had supper. Quiet evening. Shower of rain and thunder after lunch.

Tuesday 8th September 1964 - Rabaul
Good day. A bit windy. Bruce brought the camera back - owe him £7 approx. Did a flower painting after lunch. Left at 3pm with Bruce to go to afternoon part of Warataba. Thundered and rained. Lois left for her guide meeting at 4.30pm. She was there till 5.45pm. Bad news from Daddy about Mummy - two of them. Bruce out to Rotary dinner.

Wednesday 9th September 1964 - Rabaul
Went off about 9am to a Warataba at Tulvat. Arrived before service with Robert and Lois. Bit came off wheel on way. Round the other side of the 'mother." Lovely place by the sea. Had a good service, sang hymns in their language. Then the money was brought up and we helped count it while they sang. A sermon from Stan and also a black man. We then had some native food (chicken and taro). Two young teachers there - took more photos. Back pm. Letter from Alice Scott.

Letter - September 9th. 1964 - in with previous letter.

From - Miss P.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mrs M.L.Sharp, P.O. Box 61, Rabaul, New Guinea
To - Capt. the Rev. Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Daddy,

Thank you for your two letters of last week, but I'm glad to hear she is improving, and a good thing you got a nurse (I suppose from the Bournemouth co-op?) l suppose she'll have to take things fairly quietly, if thats possible with her(!) You'll have to let me know how she gets on and how you think if I should come home earlier or not.

I'm sorry I put in a request for stamps at such a hectic moment, but I have had such! hospitality here that one felt something had to be returned! (no doubt quite the wrong attitude).

Have started an interesting book about Japan called "The Heart of Japan" by Alexander Campbell. 1963. A skit on modern Japanese life, not a novel exactly. Being so close to Japan etc, many Eastern goods sold very cheaply in shops - because they are such hard workers.

I thought J's letter to me was quite good. McCarthy told me his way of avoiding having to issue a certificate for firearms to J. was not to answer his letters. (this was between us, so to speak). However, if J. went on asking, he would have to answer in the end. Personally, I should think he's safe to have a cert, now surely.

Perhaps the other poor husband in the camp will be able to give him advice, surely soon he'll wake up to the fact that he's treating D. like a queen when she is not behaving like one.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Thursday 10th September 1964 - Rabaul
Went shopping about 8.30am. Sent some flowers to Mummy and Mrs Scott. Then went onto an island attached to Rabaul. (two churches - R.C. and Methodist) After lunch rested. Sat out in the garden and had tea. Bruce went out to a choir practice and a party. Wrote Mrs Scott.

Friday 11th September 1964 - Rabaul
Quiet morning. Set off at 11.30am with Bruce for Kakapaul cemetery. 1 hour to get there. Very dusty. Good service with naval commander reading the recitation and Port Moresby Police Band playing very beautifully. Lovely cemetery. Came home by high road - lovely views. Dark when we got back.

Letter - Friday, 11th Sept 1964

From Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o M.L.Sharp, P.O.Box 61, Rabaul, New Guinea
To Mrs V.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Mummy,

I do hope you are feeling better - you did have a bit of a time, didn't you? I hope that you liked the nurse. I also hope you got a small bunch of roses!! I miss you very much, and would come back if you think you'd like me to. In a way its a pity Nancy Coddrington was coming out so late. Certainly, Jimmy is getting on fine and should do alright - after all he's like many more.

I continue to have a most wonderful time, never did I think I possibly could have, in the house of a friend - and a really happy home. Bruce is a dear, very talkative and clever with all sorts of interests and books.

I have sent off two sketches today in a special roll, its coming over the sea to you in a friend's suitcase and will be posted when he gets to England - and you will get it about October 15th - he leaves on a cargo ship today which is going straight to England - only a small ship I believe.

Two days ago Lois and I and baby drove over to a WARATABA (accent on last A) or native harvest festival at Methodist church of a circuit about 3 miles out of Rabaul.

The church a little straw affair with bamboo stretched across it for them to sit on. Set up on a beach above blue Pacific ocean with palm trees blowing in the breeze, around the other side of the "Mother" - and we had to go past a real volcano on the way!!

Of course, everything was sung in Papuan. Lois and the baby sat outside the church, and I went up to the top with the missionary's wife, Hazel, an attractive young friend of Lois, and also her husband the Missionary called Stan. Also two young Australian school teachers.

Wonderful to join in their lovely singing to tunes like John Brown's Body, and Standing for Jesus, and Eternal Father, all in harmony and I read the words in the foreign language out of the book with Hazel (fair, petite and extremely intelligent).

Then the native minister read the lesson in Papuan. Hazel told me what chapter it came from in the Bible - Matthew Chapter II. Also prayers. Then we had the sermon, and Hazel whispered in my ear what it was all about. The Stan, the missionary, got up and did the sermon too, in Papuan. Then they brought up the gifts (money). The sermon was, of course, all about bringing their harvest. (the fish from the sea) and fruits from the highlands.

The money was brought in big bags - we had to count it. The rest of the year they do not have a collection! Saves themselves a church treasurer.

As we counted the money, they sang beautiful songs - honestly it was a little like the angels in Heaven - the men's voices went in so well, and the children's voices too.

I'll have a lot more to tell you. The government is on the point of paying them all less money. This afternoon Bruce is taking me to a great ceremony to celebrate 50 years of Aussie rule here at the war cemetery one hour's drive away. A band and all. So I'm seeing life.
Love from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Saturday 12th September 1964 - Rabaul
Went to Bung in the morning with Bruce. Quiet day. Took Robert for walk in the evening.
Memoranda - Mrs Connerton.

Sunday 13th September 1964 - Rabaul
Went to morning service. Sat in garden pm. Went to evening service with Bruce. Good sermon - went to office afterwards.

Letter - 13th Sept 1964 - Pack 5

From - Robbie, Flat No.10,15 Wimbourne Road, Bounemouth, Hants
To - Captain C.H.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset,England

Dear Captain,

Thank you very much for the cigarettes you sent to the office, it really was most generous of you, as during my stay at Pound House there was so little to do.

I may be going to a patient at Yeovil tomorrow a.m. so will give you a ring when I am settled. Mr Dayly is giving me details this evening - but I wanted to get this letter in the post.

Trust Mrs Heath-Caldwell is making great progress.

Kind regards to you both, and doggies a big pat. Yours sincerely, Robbie

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Monday 14th September 1964 - Rabaul
Bruce went off early to the show at Kohops. We followed at 11.30am picking up Barbara Blattman on the way. Saw singing, dancing, paid 2/- for priviledge of photographing them. Saw the minister addressing the crowds, but no noise. People up trees. 12,000 people they said there. All kinds of exhibits. Had hamburgers and bottles of drink each. Very dusty on way. Got very hot. They played pols cows there too. School girls marched, soldiers. 1000 fainted. Minister of Interior Barnoo.

Tuesday 15th September 1964 - Rabaul
Good day. Did nothing except get myself ready for party at Rotary Club in the evening to see photographs of New York. Wore green homemade dress. Puncture on the way home - walked back. Fred Elbech baby-sat for us.

Letter - 15th Sept 1964

From Rev.Fred Palmer, St.Pauls Rectory, Maitland, NSW
To - Mrs V.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

My very dear Cousin Vi,

Please accept my dreadful delay in writing to you, my dear Vi. I have no excuse sufficiently valid! So will not offer any. But in spite of my culpability I must say this - namely that seldom a day passes that you are not in my thoughts.

There was a time when I thought that retirement would be very cosy but it seems that it is a kind of art that one had to learn. Well, there are lots of things in life one had to learn. it follows therefore that we have to "have another go" and trust to luck.

Well, Vi, we have a very nice house and garden here, and Norah does a good job in both. She is also in some demand as organist at the Church for Services, Marriages, etc. Our big news is that our daughter, Rosalind, who hitherto, unlike Ianthe, e.g. who has five sturdy kids) now has just had a bouncing boy! A fat little fellow with a shock of black hair - like his father's.

Dara (our no.2 girl) is happily married and as her husband is, like herself, very robust; in due course, no doubt, yet another big family will added to the "House of Palmer and Gerard!"

My only son - Joseph (who in my view resembles Alex (Probably Admiral Alexander Palmer) more than anyone I can recall) is doing well. He is an operator at Station "Channel 9." Pat was with us (at least, I thought so at the time but she had flown, is so sweet and quiet) but has now gone to Rabaul to stay with Lois.

We are looking forward to her return as we quite miss her - nothing that Pat says or does ever jars. I hope and pray you hear good news of your Jimmy who, like yourself, is in my prayers. Best regards to Cuthbert please. I think of him in loving regard.

Your affectionate cousin, Fred.

Letter - Tuesday, 15th Sept 1964

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o M.L.Sharp, P.O. Box 61,Rabaul, New GuineaTo - Capt. the Rev. Ch Heath-Caldwell D.S.C. rtd., The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Pop,

Many thanks for yours of 9th, which I was heartily relieved to get. I had received yours and Danny's before, and was in a bit of a quandary!

Undoubtedly Nurse Robbie was a help, though one would hardly think Ma needed a mental trained nurse!! I'm very glad to hear she prodded Dr.H!! This is also a necessary function of a nurse!

I have written to a friend of mine - Sister Turner, who came and stayed for a concert once - I think you kindly took her back to Taunton with you as I was "off colour." She might come over and keep a room occupied in the house, but I doubt if she would actually nurse. Having been a midwife (like me) her attitude would be more cheerful - we tend not to dwell on the sad side of life because it simply doesn't exist for a midwife - concentrating on new life all the time. I have given her your phone no.

She lives:- Miss Elizabeth Turner, (over 61 years) South Lodge, Timberscombe, near Minehead, Somerset. Keen gardener, great conversationalist - perhaps this would put Ma off.

Of course, I continue to have a lovely time here, and staying in the house of another friend, midwife, who I have worked with, we have much in common, that as well as the lovely place tends to make it all fly by too quickly.

Tell Mummy, I was quite interested to see some cats eyes (those queer green stones, she had some of them made into ear-rings.) at an agricultural show we went to yesterday. There are the little parts that stick in a queer dirty coloured shell, a sort of plug - I somehow thought they were not stone. Many of these little shells (Bruce has a lot) are poisonous - only to stick in you and you die.

I hope Mummy continues to take things easily, but I can't see that I would help much - after all that discord theory applies when I'm at home too - two in the house at weekends!!

I agree with you J. will soon be able to sort out his own problems, especially when he knows he is not the only one who has these kind of troubles.

Myself, although it seems queer, I'm immensely glad that he is acting honourably and over generously to her - its bound to tell on his side in the long run. Meanwhile, in spite of a heavenly time here, I'm hoping SOMEHOW to be able to be with him SOMEWHERE over Christmas, as the people there tell me he has a fortnight's holiday, as the whole camp closes down then.

I shouldn't bother about the stamps too much. Did you know that the stamps here, much prized by collectors are made in Switzerland? I asked you about them at a most stupid time anyhow. Actually, that business of Twinkle may have been brought about by his bad behaviour in his basket - Nancy C's book (or it may have been Mary Cake's) on beagles said one should cure that habit by smacking (the Reader's Digest calls this Gilding the Lily or once again child psychiatrists are favouring as a form of treatment - "Practical Negative - Re-inforcement" - scientific terms for spanking - for puppies too). That proably weakened him a bit.

I expect I will be leaving here in a couple of weeks but they won't be here forever, so I'm making the most of my time.

Last Friday 50 years ago, an Australian contingent of soldiers and sailors landed near here and took the place from the Germans. Bruce took me over to see a magnificent war cemetary - really beautiful - not exaggerating. There was a service and a Commander reading a citation in usual unemotional matter of fact voice. More in next letter.
Love to all, from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Wednesday 16th September 1964 - Rabaul
Had morning tea party at 10am. Lois made all the food the day before and put in deep freeze. All gone by 11.45am. Rested after lunch. Did another sketch of Lois. Think its time I fixed another date for going.

Thursday 17th September 1964 - Rabaul
Pragmatar. Bruce went off at crack of dawn to go to Kavieng and Manus Island. We did shopping. Finished off in the afternoon and went and had coffee wiht Jimmy and wife. Good fun. Bruce away for night. Had hot bath - felt exhausted the next day.

17th Sept 1965 - Pack 5 (very scrawly, hard to read, writing)

From - Violet Mary Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Catty
To - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mrs M.L.Sharp, P.O. Box 61, Rabaul, New Guinea

No so bad darling, that took only 7 days. Anyway, don't you dream of coming home any sooner. I'll get my strength back!! alright, and I must say, according to Daddy's letter to you, as seen by me! Inadvertently by me!! being left on desk by mistake! I know now that the (cost?), and as by a relapse, and you you believe it!!

I must say how old Hereward is a bit depressed and looked it and I thought this morning so said to him what was bothering him! but I now its his family poor dears, so what makes him think everybody is worse than this one.

I'm just going to pop this at the P.O. and I'm so delighted to hear you are enjoying staying in Paradise. Give my love to Lois and her husband, and I think its lovely of him being so good to you.

The news here isn't much, but we are expecting Ros and John tomorrow evening, and we are giving them the same meal as we gave Danny and her John!!! We enjoyed watching the men do up Mrs Holly's house in July. Ye gods, I don't know how they work so slow. Lily has been a fair treat, and get very good at fancy looking!!

Danny is waiting for me to take this to the P.O. And Twinkle has a new collar again, as he lost his last one. I'm just going to start a new night-dress, making it like a sack! a hole for the neck and sleeves. Lily brought me a whole lot of those glosssy mags and all sorts of good stories in them! She was given them by your Mrs Rogers, and never has time to read them, just going to get some ham at the shop an---- depressing people(?)

Here's to you bright eyes, Mum.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Friday 18th September 1964 - Rabaul
Took Malaria pill. Went down to clinic. Robert has lost 2 ozs!! Mistake on the part of machine. Called in to see another friend of Lois (R.C. with four children - child who looked like David) Took Robert for a walk up to residency. Bruce back soon after that. We saw plane come in. Good letters from Ma, Pa, also Jimmy. Had bad headache, so went to bed early.

Saturday 19th September 1964 - Rabaul
Lois went off early to collect flowers for a wedding 5.30am. At 1.30pm Lois and I went down to do flowers for a wedding at 5.30pm. Did some beautiful flowers. Lois and Bruce sang in the choir. I put Robert to bed.
Memoranda - Monday included Speech good, about agriculture. Supper. Bruce went to a public dinner. Pragmatar £10 - traveller's cheque

Sunday 20th September 1964 - Rabaul
Had a good morning. Went to Communion service at the United Services church.This was very nice. Most of the flowers gone from the wedding however. On the way back Bruce delivered cards about vulcanic emergencies. Rested in the afternoon. Rained a bit. Bruce went to the evening service.

Letter - 20th Sept 1964

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o M.L.Sharp, Rabaul, New Guinea
To - Capt. the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Mummy and Daddy,

Many thanks for yours (two) of this week. I have also had a good one from Jimmy, he evidently seems very much to the point now, at any rate on paper. Did you think it was good, the one I enclosed last week? Anyhow, finding other people with troubles equal to his will be of some comfort to him. He seems also impressed with two people from Yorkshire and Lancashire, a young couple, (with no car) who are apparently getting used to N.Z. - no doubt he is helping them.

However, he has actually thought about his holiday - and wants me to go on a walking tour with him. This strikes me as a good idea, up from Gisborne. Just what I should like. The last letter I wrote to him was sea-mail, so he won't have got it yet - but had evidently found a letter which he had not discovered amongst the calendars I sent him to decorate his cabin.

Also, as regards his own affairs he is going on a a visit to Taranaki to see McCarthy, as he evidently has decided about signing the fatal document - just as well, and then he won't need to pour quite so much money into her "ladyship's" lap.

I shan't comment to him, but he evidently has made the decision - which now must clean up the atmosphere for him a bit.

No doubt if he could get a good diet - it would help the boils a bit. Lois and Bruce have got me some good ideas about this, so I hope and am trying to absorb as much as I can while here. Bruce cooked steak tonight for us.

Of course I can't tell J. that the reason that this place seems like paradise, is not by any means only the fact that glorious flowers and scenery abound outside - but that this is a really happy home based on Christian living. Lois is really a pretty efficient wife as well as doing thousands of outside things as well, and having an excellent husband too. They are very well matched.

I went to a Methodist Communion service this morning, which was very like our own, much more so than the Presbyterian I thought. The baby came too, that's what tickles me, and also sits at the back of the church, is fed and then goes to sleep. Bruce goes off again at 7.30.pm to sing in the choir.

I hope you are better, Ma, and getting used to things again - it must have been much better to have your bed downstairs. Its a pity about the cold bug - if I was Danny I should be taking the whole B. family to specialist to see who is the one who has the bug or what can be done.

One has only to see what these bugs can lead to, not to try desperately to do something about it - of course all Michael's family struck me as unhealthy when I met them.

Lois and Bruce have a spray thing which they spray in the room when there is a cold on called "Congestand" Room Vaporiser, (Instant Medicated Vapour) Colgate - Palmolive Pty Ltd.

Glad you like the roses, and I sent some to my friend Mrs Scott in Sydney - the nice Dutch lady I stayed with - about the same time as you were ill she went into hospital for an op. I have not heard from her yet, but will probably see her on my way back.

Well, so many things have happened since I wrote this, its hard to know where I left off.

Well, on 11th September Bruce took me off to see a ceremony celebrating 50 years since Australia took possession of this place on order from the King. (George V)! September 11th 1914.

This was at Kakapaul, about 29 miles from here along the coast. Here there was one of the most beautiful cemetaries I have ever been in - not like one at all. Here we had a band (black policemen from Port Moresby) which cheered us up, and a contingent of soldiers, and one of cadets. A naval officer arrived all in white with gold medals etc. He read the citation in a very board Australian accent - about fifty men landing and taking a wireless station and making the Germans surrender.

Then a Catholic missionary (funnily enough its a German mission station) gave a short sermon and some prayers. His chief point was that in those days there were no reprisals, and no unpleasantness after the fights (this was the first world war).

He was the second in command in the Catholic line there, the head man having departed to Rome for the economical council (perhaps its not that - but it sounds like it!)

The Police band was the attraction, they played the last post beautifully - in fact they would beat many orchestras one would pay to hear. They had a little cadenza at the beginning of the Last Post, and at the end. In fact it was not a bit like a military thing at all.

On the way we drove by the coast and saw a few old hulks of the Japanese ships sunk by the Aussies in the last war.

The cemetery was, of course, for both wars - so there lie every nationality one can think of - unknown ones and otherwise. At the end the Catholics of celebrated Mass at the base of the Cross of Memory, Bruce said he thought this was unusual. I took several colour slides. We came back across the hills and saw many native huts, villages etc, and strange native trees and flora, and I took several colour films. They grow coconuts here, cocoa trees, and sometimes rubber.

Occasionally one comes across a pig, which belongs to a tribe and scuttles across the road in front of one, and evidently the hens lay eggs to bring out, because there is nearly always a mother hen with her children wandering around on the very dirty untarred roads. Eggs are 9/- doz here.

When we reached the cemetery, the man who had come in a jeep and was ahead of us who was to do the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) side of things had to literally shake out the grey dust out of his white shirt. The view from the heights was wonderful out across the jungle for miles into the purple and blue distance. We got back after sunset.

Last night we had a vulcanologist to supper (or tea as they call it here). I bet you don't know what that is - at any rate he is in charge of the vulcanological observatory or place like that on a nearby hill. He spends his time going around seeing when the next eruption is due on the next volcano, in a helicopter.

Bruce says he takes the temperature, blood pressure etc of the volcanoes every day and they can tell almost six weeks before when there is to be one. The earth tremors, or burrias get worse and then it comes. We haven't yet had so bad a one as we had a fortnight ago. There are certain roads, called escape roads, etc and today Bruce took round notices for several people as to what to do if there was one. These notices everybody hangs up in their lavs! round here!!

Meanwhile life is grand - but we are in one of the most explosive parts of the world - but we don't get hurricanes, you will be glad to hear!!!

Last Monday was a bank holiday here in New Britain - in honour of 50 years. To celebrate there was a big agricultural show at a place called Kohopo, nearly as far as Karacaul where we had been two days before.

Lois and I went off about 11.30.am with another single girl from here and Robert. Bruce went off at 7.am because he had a stand there, and had to spend the whole day there.

We saw some native dancing here, which was fun. Some of their make-up is horrific-!!
All sorts of things at the side shows we saw too. The Minister of Affairs (of some sort) opened it under the shade of a pavilion and his speech was to be broadcast. However, the broadcasting system broke down and not a word was heard!! Two soldiers meanwhile had fainted and were carried out head downwards (as if they had just been drowned) by about six others beside the minister when he talked. This was as interesting as the speech for the onlookers!! Also a procession of cows and a bull and polo ponies - one escaped.

We had a hamburger each and a bottle of lemonade drunk out of bottles for our lunch. We went home about 3.pm after a good day taking the high road again - and stopped to take more photos.

So glad Robinson enjoyed herself with you, and I hope Twinkles is better. Oh, I must tell you - Bruce and Lois being so expert at tropical health etc; have got me some marvellous stuff for my feet - and they are improving a lot, as you can imagine a humid climate is the worst sort for that sort of thing.

Do tell Dr. Hereward that this stuff is called "Pragmatar" - it is a washable oil - in water emulsion base: cetyl-alcohol - coal - tar distillate 4% sulphur 3% salicylic acid, 3% manufactured by Smith Klein & Frenc lab. (Sydney).

I am also discovering all about how they adopted their baby - do you know the solicitors made £30 out of the transaction?

Well, I shall have to write to Enid soon and tell her I hope to get back to NZ before Christmas - I wrote to Mrs Harris but have had no reply - and I know Enid will be full up about 16th January when Corinna gets married. Did Gladys mention I had written them a letter?

On Tuesday we went to dinner at the New Guinea Club given by the Rotary club for the ladies and saw colour slides of New York and the exhibition in which Jane's daughter is helping in. On Tuesday Lois gave a morning tea party and about twelve mothers came and sat in the garden with their children - and Lois fed them on biscuits , a cake and sandwiches which she made the day before and kept in her deep freeze machine. As you can imagine they make very good use of this machine as there is no fresh meat available in Rabaul - so they keep it there in advance.

Lois, also has lots of those plastic cups with lids on which you can store all sorts of things in. The tupper ware (remember Peggy's party) is useful - they were having parties for it in Aussie too. As long as you have good lids.

Bruce did a trip by air on Thursday up to Kaving (New Ireland where Lois used to work) and from there to Manus Island - 400 miles (Duke of York's island) and came back on Friday. So Lois and I did some visits. Met more interesting people and went onto a cargo ship to farewell someone going on a holiday.

Saturday was fully occupied arranging the glorious flowers for a wedding - we did some beautiful vases - not difficult with frangipanis of every colour and scent - also hibiscus etc: they barely last more than 6 hours - and were chucked out too soon by an over zealous helper, so there were very few in the church by Sunday.

The pay 5 guineas for this to the Women's Guild of the church!!

Lois and Bruce both sang in the choir, whilst I bathed Robert and gave him his bottle and put him to bed.

I may be leaving next week - but don't want to - this is heaven on earth. Shan't get to the reunion of the hospital after all now, but still. Meanwhile, here's all the best to you - I must do some more pictures. There are too many beautiful things to do here, that's the trouble. Must tell Jimmy about salt and water. I also hope to send him a special sort of powder (American made) which is thirst quenching and full of vitamins which he could have at his camp. I gather there is little fresh fruit there. But the boils are probably result of changes in his life - unfortunately they say what happens to your mind does affect your body.

He says he is very happy having picnics in the forest. I feel his worries are mostly over now - he evidently hopes to have the children eventually - has asked me to help with them but they will be at school by then. Lets hope D. soon finds a man to boss her! Poor man!!

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Monday 21st September 1964 - Rabaul
Drew flowers most of morning. About 3pm went off and played tennis at Mrs Davidson's. She was very rude about English accent. Good game.

Tuesday 22nd September 1964 - Rabaul
Painted flowers. At 1.30pm set off for Keravasi where Lois has a pack of Brownies. Robert frightened when they did their grand salute. Mrs Davidson came with us. Lovely drive - 30 miles, not dusty because it had rained. Had tea at Mrs Dunn's, lovely Hibiscus. Lovely orchids too. Bruce went to Rotary dinner. Women's Guild. After supper Lois and I took her (Mrs Davidson) and Mrs Smit to Women's Guild where we had a cookery demonstration on an Indonesian cooking Gado-gado, vegetables covered with Pia nut sauce.

Wednesday 23rd September 1964 - Rabaul
Shopping. Very hot. Rested pm. Took Robert for a walk. Bruce's boss came. My photos arrived. Very good. Bed fairly early.

Letter - 23rd Sept 1965

From - Violet Mary Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England
To - Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mrs M.L.Sharp, P.O.Box 61, Rabaul, New Guinea.

Darling Pat,

I'm so glad to hear you are not unduly disturbed about the attack of 'flu. Mad, (Summus?) at that. I'm really very well now except for a stupid cough and nosy, which is always worse in the morning, so I don't get up till after breakfast!! It is most lovely here today and indeed in the last week the sky has been a most heavenly blue, We had one or two days in between with a little badly need rain, it is more like a tropical sky than anything I ever remember.

I don't do much except read! and that makes me feel I'm very naughty to spend my time like that!!! but I do enjoy it so much and Dr Hereward keeps telling me to take it easy! He and I had a great chat in the summer-house the other afternoon.

Jane is starting her classes today at Maiden Newton. Might try a little (later to ring to her?) Great fun about old B.Foster, she hailed Lily yesterday, and hadn't heard I had been laid up! She was going off to get me fruit and (rody?) things. But nothing has happened since!! Isn't she a scream! Mrs Ronald rang up yesterday for your address, so expect a letter from her - Mrs Luckock!! has got a washing machine at last! but still doesn't do any ironing, isn't she funny. Haven't seen anything of him for ages. Saw the Winnie(?) girl in the lane (here this evening?) she told me she had had glandular fever, poor child, but looked very well and-

Peggy I haven't seen for ages, but they all ask for you. Gladys called the other day, and stayed to tea, and when going went off into the kitchen(?) We had tea outside. When nurse was here, I waited m--- but not being patient I just walked off up to the top of the garden and let her see herself off, and she wanted to talk to the nurse she could she of been (cut so?) for 2 hours! So I'd had my fill!! When one is recovering one does get a bit short - - especially when one thinks that people ought to have (bad?) manners! Aren't I getting peevish.

John and Ros looked very well on Friday, it was nice seeing them again. I'd like to go and stay with them and will probably later on. Must now try and mend Daddy's grey shirt, it has a tear in the back. I'm a little bit deafer than usual, and the village sounds awfully quiet. Mrs Kraft returns next week, and the Holly's house has been painted (at last?)

And thats all for now my dear. I'm so glad you are seeing it all.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Thursday 24th September 1964 - Rabaul
Quiet morning. Finished painting, fairly satisfactory. Lois went off at 3pm for Guide meeting. I looked after Robert - fed him etc. Lots of rain and thunder. Bruce went to choir practice. Burica afterwards.

Friday 25th September 1964 - Rabaul
Quiet day. Rained hard in the afternoon. Lois planted seeds and little plants in pouring rain. Then had hot bath. Bruce back late. Sketched them both after supper. Good night.

Saturday 26th September 1964 - Rabaul
Bruce went to the Bung. Very hot day. Too us down afterwards (Robert and I). It rained after lunch. Did some gardening in the rain. Fred Eeffech came up. Several children playing. Pat and John Williams, Mrs Smith and John, someone else came to supper, and they did not leave till midnight.
Memoranda - "Anti-intellectualism in American Life" Prof Hodsunter, Johnathan Cape, Hodsunter. Robert- little vests, nightdresses.

Letter - 26th Sept, 1964
From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o M.L.Sharp, Rabaul, New Guinea
To - Capt. the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Pa and Ma,

I do hope you are getting on alright Ma, and not doing too much. Is the weather still good with you? We, of course, continue to have eternal summer here with thunderstorms and torrential rain in between. Sorry Hereward is bored with life - five sons must be a bit deadly!

Isn't it exciting that J. has asked me to go on a walking tour with him? My feet should be fit for anything by then, 'Pragmatar' has nearly cured them.

Its good he's made up his mind, although he did not actually write that he was to sign it, he was going to have a leg. sep; followed by div;, and was going down soon to Taranaki to see McCarthy about it. Life here is one big sketch, that is, I've done a good one of a bowl of tropical flowers - several of Lois - practice ones. Two of the baby.

I have also sent J. some good vitamin drink which you can get here but not in Australia called "Tang." The diet here is what the Aussies call limited - no fresh milk or meat. So they get in enough fresh meat every six months and fill their deep freeze. Tinned milk (Carnation) is used for the baby, and Sunshine for us (Sunshine is what J. has too).

So Lois and Bruce are expert at all kind of vitamin drinks and things (You might call them a pair of hypochondriacs - but by doing this they keep fit).

The latest thing for babies must be good - Robert has "Pentavile' because its not fresh milk - so Bruce gets the adult drops for himself (ha! ha!). Also, of course, we live on limitless fresh fruit and vegetables - all sorts. Tonight we are having five extra - so Lois is already hard at the cooking. She has a remarkable big book of cookery recipes a la Australias - which helps. We went off to another place in the bush this week where there is an agricultural research station. Here the ground was laid out and grassy pastures were neatly planted with cocoa, and various other kind of natural trees. Rather more civilised than the virgin bush - here Lois visited a pack of Brownie children - consisting of Papuans, half castes, Chinese and Australian.

Jolly little things - they had some good games, and I took a photo of them round their toadstool. Lois is a Guide Commissioner and works pretty hard in any odd moments she has with them. Her idea is to help educate the black women, so that they will have some ideas. Then we went on to have tea at (I should think) a Chinese woman's home. She was a very Eastern countenance but with a most cultured English voice.

The flowers here are astonishing (I think her husband is the big NOB in those parts). Huge hibiscus in every shade and hue about nine inches across. Orchids outside, and other delightful colours of various shapes and sizes. Robert was good and sat on the floor while we drank tea out of very delicate looking china. The little Papuan woman who ran Brownie pack came too, but left her baby with her husband - (the baby about Robert's age).

I also had a game of tennis this week up the road. One of Lois's neighbours had asked me. I was dripping after eight sets, quite enough.

We also went to the Methodist Women's Guild meeting and were shown how to make an Indonesian dish, a delightful little Dutch woman demonstrated. She used to live in Dutch New Guinea till is wasn't. Her husband is the doctor for T.B. round here.

Bruce goes away to other islands for two days next week and for five days the next so I reckon I shall stay here till about Oct. 15th.

Bruce is taking Robert and I down to post this. Hope you continue to get on alright.

Love to the dogs. Love Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Sunday 27th September 1964 - Rabaul
We all went to church at 8.30pm. Took some bananas to Lavis, then after lunch went out to the Theological College and saw new buildings. Shaped like butterfly, but with no balconies. Walked down to beach after cup of tea. Had orange juice on the way back.

Monday 28th September 1964 - Rabaul

Reunion at the hospital. Quiet day. Painted Red hibiscus. Walked round garden in the afternoon with Robert and Lois. Going to ball.

Letter - 28th Sept 1964

From - MIss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mrs M.L.Sharp, P.O. Box 61, Rabaul, New Guinea
To - Capt. the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

c/o Bruce, Lois and Robert, the cat and Annis and Paula

Dear Pop, also Mummy, in fact very much so!!

Thank you for the Festina Lente letter. Bruce (being Australian) would not admit that he knew and Latin so looked up Festina - which means "Hasten," apparently. So - hasten - slowly if possible. We presume this means "do nothing" etc. I've no comment to make, it only emphasizes what we already know, but it shows that some people are genuinely trying to help the situation, and they are possibly able to keep an eye on the children while she stays in Stratford. Shall I keep Festina Lente or tear it up?

Anyhow, Jim has made some progress I feel, poor chap, if he's been down to see McCarthy. So have I, my feet are almost cured. I have done some more pictures, and met more interesting people, and learnt more about things up here. We went over to vist some rather isolated friends of Lois's on Sunday, who train theological students at a new methodist training college. The wife was English and he rather remined me of Brinky (a man from Victoria, Australia) only younger. The building was one of these modern designs - and we privately decided not suitable for Tropics- no balconies etc.

(by the way Mummy, they call "Bow windows" verandahs here!) We saw the inside of where the students live (Papuans) with their wives and families - and a nice communal kitchen. Then we walked through some bush to the sea - and saw some boats of different sorts - very narrow. Also, sort of frames out in the sea where they collect special sort of fish.

The parson (I suppose he was one) was good at showing us around. Then we saw some trees with huge trunks -and at the base of one was a huge pile of rusty helmets. (belonged to the Japanese) and an old trench where they used to fight. I didn't like this bit a bit - in fact it struck me as most unhealthy. At the same time the scenery at the sea edge was beautiful, all the different palm trees, and black volcanic sand, and mountains in the distance.

Meanwhile, Mummy, I'm very glad you are feeling better - I hope this continues.
Being Sunday yesterday we went off to church taking Robert with us. the choir ( with Bruce in it) sang us an anthem, conducted by one of their friends who sometimes comes and babysits, if we all go out. Last time Robert played up.

We have done nothing much today, except I painted two hibiscus which Lois had put in a vase - deep red - they only last 8 hours - and have all curled up and properly died now!

We had a small burrie, or earthquake, after lunch, or before. I was sitting on the back verandah, and Lois said "Can you feel the burria?" I said "no" - but then the dustbin and one of the watertanks began to wobble about most alarmingly - so there was no mistake at all!

I'm now going to write a few Christmas letters to send by sea mail. Some of my colour slides have come out very well. Lois pointed out to me a honeymoon couple in the church, they were married a fortnight ago, but have not left properly for their honeymoon yet, as the planes are all booked up. Ships are slow to come here - this is the "slow boat to China" route!!
- - - - --
Now, dear Mummy, thank you for your letter of 23rd, (also a very funny one from Mrs Ronald by the same post). As a matter of fact I was very perturbed about you , as I selfishly thought that it would stop my holiday, also I was enjoying myself as never so far on this holiday, except the very brief time I had with J.
However, B. & L. persuaded me to wait - and its not going to be easy to leave as planes are booked a long way ahead. I hope to see about it Thursday.

Meanwhile, I know you want me to see what more I can of J. now he has not got a home (or a wife really).

Love from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Tuesday 29th September 1964 - Rabaul
Quiet day. Rained some of the time. Letters from Mum, Mrs Ronald and the bank. Bruce went to Rotary. I ate too many bananas. Bed fairly early.

Wednesday 30th September 1964 - Rabaul
Lois took Bruce to catch 8am plane. Quiet morning, except Nola someone came to talk about guides. Painted yellow hibiscus. Letter from Mrs Connerton. Lois took Bruce for a walk. Earlyish to bed.

Thursday 1st October 1964 - Rabaul
Busy day. Went down to the Bulola at 7.30am to meet some friends going through. Back and went to do sandwiches at training home at 9am. Then did shopping. Back 11.30am. Then at 1.30pm went down to ship and picked up people and took them to vulcanologist place. Then back to tea at the Stobos - nice garden. Lois went out to do flowers in the evening at Woman's club.

Friday 2nd October 1964 - Rabaul
Went down at 10.30am to see the flowers at the women's club. Very lovely they were too. Mrs Foldi talked to us! (She is the head woman). In the evening went down to help clean them up. Bought a hat for 5/-! Also asked and a Kuh buk nurse came there, has to fly off tomorrow - Lois was not notified! Bruce went to a meeting. Paula in labour (nearly) all day. Lois kept popping back to see her.

Letter - 2nd Oct 1964

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mrs M.L.Sharp, P.O. Box 61, Rabaul, New Guinea.
To - Capt. the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Mummy and Daddy,

This is to wish you a very happy Christmas and a jolly New Year. As I write this I'm still having a warm time in New Guinea, but probably by the time you get this I might even be very far away, I just don't know at this stage.

I hope you like the enclosed - its two pink and white hibiscus blooms which Lois brought in one morning and put in a deep purple bowl she had. They only last for about eight hours.

I have just been taking Robert, (now aged 8½ months) round the garden, that is half the attraction of this place - a beautiful baby who is most contented. We watched an enormous brown and black butterfly feeding out of the Ixona (or flower that grows abundantly here). It has a red thorax and the body striped about five inches long in body, and about eight inches across. Its mate, the male is a brilliant green with very black body.

A liner is in today with 500 tourists on it, bound for Tokyo and the Olympic Games.

Have you got someone to be with you at Christmas? I hope so.

Lots of love from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Saturday 3rd October 1964 - Rabaul
Bruce and Annis took Paula to hospital at 6am. She had the baby at midday. Bruce went off at 8.30am for his plane. Lois was out 10.30am - 3pm with guides. We had Molly Williams and Madelaine (an anthropologist) to supper - She was deadly serious.
Memoranda - Norah, Aunt Dah.

Sunday 4th October 1964 - Rabaul
Went to church 8.30am. Back at 10.10am. Rested in the morning, and most of the afternoon too, in between went down for papers, and post. Lois went down to get bowl. Bed early.

Letter - 4th Oct 1964 - Pack 5

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o M.L.Sharp, P.O.Box 61, Rabaul, New GuineaTo - Mrs V.M.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

My dear Mummy,

Thank you for your last interesting one of 23rd Sept. Well, as a matter of fact I was very perturbed about you, distance only makes this like illnesses seem much worse, because there is nothing one can actively do, except pray (and I'm not very good at that). But that is the trouble about distance, and I'm sure you will get on very well without me.

What I feel now is I ought to stay and see a bit more of Jimmy, and it can't be helped can it if I have a jolly nice time in between and stay with friends of my own age and interests? I know Ros and Danny and apparently John Attwood think I should come back, but I do feel that it wouldn't be too difficult to have someone perhaps not necessarily a relative to stay and help you at Christmas. Personally, you've got the L.S.d. Mummy, and you know don't you how awfully cross you and I get with each other when we quarrel? However, I know Pop will write if he really wants me back.

Your remarks about the neighbours are most amusing. Yes, I had a very funny letter from Mrs Ronald. She had some most amusing things to say about Bo. F. and W.I. Apparently she has been ill too - an op: - but is getting better now. (Mrs Rondald).

I have re-revised my ideas about washing since being out here. (Talking of Luckocks!) Every home I have been in - Cookson's, Palmers and now Sharp's having washing machines just like yours (the old Servis (Jervis?) one) only they go by different names. But they all are very good.

Lois has to wash four times a week on account of the baby's nappies - also, of course, we have to put clean clothes on every day, even though we have cold showers twice a day.

I think you are quite right not to do too much and to do a lot of reading - so glad old H. encourages you in this. I read a quite good book called 'Esther Costello' by Nicholas Monserrat - about Americans and "charity."

I expect I'll be leaving here in another fortnight. Probably going to Mrs Scott's in Sydney (she has also had an op recently) I get on well with her husband - and she wants me to get on with her son who is rather nice - a widower of my own age with one son. I like her immensely - she is Scotch with a very determined type of Scotch humour about her, rather like yours.

Another pleasant week has passed. I've done some more home-made Christmas cards, and we went up one day to see the place where they plot all about the volcanoes and earthquakes. A glorious view of Rabaul harbour up there, and also very cool, and a lovely breeze. We went to an exhibition of native work run by the Catholics yesterday.

Two passenger ships were in, one on its way to Tokyo. There was a glorious exhibition of flowers put on by the Women's Club - never seen such lovely colours.

Now, Mummy, I hope that you are really taking it easy, and enjoying a good book. Lots of love from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Monday 5th October 1964 - Rabaul
Lois up early. We went down to have the baby weighed - gained 1lb!! Also some shopping. Rested after lunch, and then played some tennis on Mrs Davidson's court. Came back with next door neighbour and was introduced to her husband. Rang up and booked flight.

Tuesday 6th October 1964 - Rabaul
Hot day. They rang up to say Bruce would be back from the islands - Mrs Davidson came up for coffee. We then went and fetched Bruce from the ship. Did some shopping. After lunch rested. Bruce went to Rotary in the evening.

Letter - 6th October 1964

From - Mrs V.M.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England
To - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Lois Sharp, P.O.Box 61, Rabual, New Guinea

Darling Pat,

Well, having had my two guests for the weekend, if you can call from Sat. morning to Sunday 4.30.pm a weekend that's it, and then they had to go fetch David for lunch so it wasn't very long. David was just as usual, not turned(?) a hair, and Ros thought he had grown, but he hasn't and his grown up suit was very nice!! Poor John complained about the bed being uncomfortable so we have to do something about that! If I can!

Well, we've been trying to fix up our late nurse into the Reids! but in the end he can't get the one they have to have as she wants to stay with him! And as she has them right there, and not doing a hands turn, and having her driving lessons! Its no wonder she wants to stay, till next September when she leaves for New Zealand! Can you beat it, and as Mrs R's almost completely helpless, he does have a poor time but at the same time goes about telling everybody he has such a frightful time!!

We then heard about, not from him of course, poor Mrs Henning who also has a nurse, that absolutely runs Mrs H and the house as she likes but as long as Josephine is happy I can't help thinking it doesn't matter much if the niece doesn't get everything, after all she only comes occasionally to see her!

In the meantime I'm much better, nearly my old self!! And having a very good time! Daddy is in good form too. The dogs insist on my taking them out and they are put on a --- lead at first - then I let one off and he doesn't go far, then in turn I let the other off and they seem to like that very much!! And the plain walk does me a lot of good and Daddy comes to meet us, a proper old Derby and Joan! Harvest Festival on Sunday, and sale yesterday evening. Mrs (Sived?) was very good!! The Dr has almost ceased to come!! and I have my own cures! We got a lovely story about your friend Geoffrey. Apparently he didn't join his parents in Spain but had to meet them with the car at Yeovil Junction on Sunday on their arrival time! Unfortunately he'd had a late night the night before and was a (trifle?) sleepy in the morning, and in fact fell asleep again in the chair!

I can't blame him, the train was arriving at 1.30.pm so after that time he was awakened by slight noises in the house and went staggering out in the direction of the kitchen where the noise seemed to be coming from! And what did he find there! but a full sized ram! You can imagine what fun he had in there! Geoff got him out but on his way saw it was 2.30.pm so had to leave it out there and tear for the train, as mother had rung up in the mean time to ask him what had happened! So he did get there in the end, but when they got back, ramy had got loose in the kitchen garden and had had a marvellous time with one thing and another, it must have been a Rams delight, I should think.

So the (lys?) doesn't recount what Pa said!!

We had a break in the weather yesterday and a little rain last night! Which was a good thing, first because the Luckcocks have very little of their own water!!! and can't wash as anything but everybody is glad to see a little rain so much so than when ringing up last night Ros to hear how she'd got home alright, the telephone operator! said to me while waiting for the number to come in, "I hear rain" and I replied I couldn't and then I said nobody had remarked the good weather, and then he told me how he's seen a lake reduced to a pond!!! (I wondered if it was Longleat but I couldn't catch the name!!) it certainly passed the time when one is waiting for a call!! his voice I know quite well as he nearly always gets me Ros's number!!

My little Robin Redbreast comes to chat with me every day in the summer house. He generally come in to the hut whilst I'm there and picks up the crumbs. He's quite the cutest of all the birds and has a very knowing look!

Now must end this long letter and say hope you are going strong and kindest regards to your friends. - -
Love darling your - - mum.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Wednesday 7th October 1964 - Rabaul
Did the pastel in the morning. Not a success. Ben Geddes came in. After lunch finished book and was sitting on back balcony when Rev. Jarden came along and stopped for tea. Very pro-German!! In the evening went out to the hospital. to see Paula and the new baby. Nice hospital. Saw Mary there and took Amas with us.

Thursday 8th October 1964 - Rabaul
Went shopping in the morning. Went to guide hut with Mrs Davidson.

Friday 9th October 1964 - Rabaul
Letter from Daddy, Mrs Scott, Enid. Good. Also one from Mummy and another from Enid and Joyce Padwick. In the ev (stops)

Saturday 10th October 1964 - Rabaul
Bruce went to market. Nothing much all day. Walked around in the garden. Girl Guides came and lit a bonfire in (stops)
Memoranda - Aunt Dah. Mrs Ronald. Crawford. Hills, Enid.

Sunday 11th October 1964 - Rabaul
Grace Cuthberson stayed for the night. Nice girl. Good sermon about the snake in the garden of Eden. Rested in the day. Robert did not sleep. Quiet evening. Letter from Norah.

Monday 12th October 1964 - Rabaul
Started off at crack of dawn (6am) with Bruce to airport. Flew in Aztec, little 4-6 seater to New Ireland - Namatanii. Sat beside Fred Ebbeck. 20 minutes there. Beautiful fine morning. Very green place. Few little huts, lots of black children. Back at 8am. Took Robert for walk in the afternoon up residency. Bruce took me to get a photo of sunset. Barbecue at Bakewell's, lovely (hut?) - good food. Quite nice people.

Tuesday 13th October 1964 - Rabaul
Quiet day - spent some time sitting in sunshine doing a sketch of the house. 3.15pm we went out for a ride along the coast passed Vulcan (which erupted in 1958, killing alot of people). Took several photos, also one of a church. Bruce went to Rotary club for the evening. Lois took him down to the ship about 7.30pm.

Wednesday 14th October 1964 - Rabaul
Quiet day. Finished sketch in the garden. Mrs Davidson came along and had morning tea, also Lois brought another girl. Talked guides. Sat out and finished sketch. Went to post in the afternoon. Lois went down after supper to get more post. Letter from Miss Wood.

Thursday 15th October 1964 - Rabaul
Went to shopping area and stayed there till 11.30am. Quiet day. Went down for more letters - none.

Letter - 15th Oct 1964

Mrs Enid Cookson, No.4 R.D., Salisbury Rd, Stratford, New ZealandTo -Capt. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England.

Dear Capt and Mrs Heath-Caldwell,

I know its time I wrote to you again. but time passes so quickly, just think, this time last year we were with you.

We are getting excited, Pat will be back from Aussie this week, and we are anxious to hear all her news, and to see how she looks, she has said in her letter how brown she is.

Things are much the same here, always too much work, but that is what helps the time to pass. Jack had the bulldozer in the workshop for 4 weeks, it was given a complete overhaul, he would have bought a new one but our Government at the moment says no new machinery is to come into the country, so the old one just had to have money spent on it, he is back to work again, everyone wants him so he is working long hours to catch up.

I have just finished painting the house (Jack has done the roof) but the walls etc had to have 2 coats so five times I carted all the tressels etc around the house, the top part is white and the walls blue, and the walls had to have a grey undercoat. Then there were all the windows. I was so fed up of the sight of paint tins that Jack got a chap in to spray paint the sheds at the back.

Now I'm trying to get the garden all tidy for Xmas but the rain has set in and most likely will forget when to stop.

I have been missing at the cowshed a bit lately. There is so much to be done around the house, also Corrina's wedding is in January and I've had the bridesmaids here for weekends while they get their frocks fitted etc. I have told Jack when its all over, I'm clearing out for a few days.

We had Claire and Colin (Trowbridge) for the evening not so long ago, and he gave us a great report of Jimmy, but with Pat and him camping together over Xmas she will have lots of news about him to tell you. Did she tell you she won a Xmas cake. I have it stored away for her. I think its going camping with Jimmy and her.

Thank you for the Xmas card. We all wish you both a Merry Xmas and much better Luck for 1965. Also, give Lillie our kind regards and all other folk we met at Cattistock.
Love to you both,

from Enid and Jack XXX

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Rabaul continues . . .

Friday 16th October 1964 - Rabaul
Bruce arrived at 10.30am. We went on to the Lahava to meet him, and had morning tea with Pat Williams and family afterwards. Kruschev out. Wilson in.

Saturday 17th October 1964 - Rabaul
Flying. Up 4.30am. Rev.Farden, also R.C. priest to see us off. Pretty (green?) going over the bay. Sat next to a nice elderly man, got out at Lae. Changed planes. Did not get out at Moresby - huge meals. Nice woman came with me, white hair. (peanuts?) Saw someone I knew at Brisbane - who? Felt pretty awful by Sydney. Looked in my suitcase at customs, found nothing. Reached Town & Country Motel. Hume, Highway, Strathfield. Phone no.1

Sunday 18th October 1964 - NSW, Australia

(crossed out - St.Andrew's Cathedral. 7.15pm Dr Paul White, George Street). Got to the Scotts at 10.15am. Not far from the Town & Country Club. Mrs Scott up and walking about. Saw TV in the evening and looked at Alec's pictures. His late mother-in-law looked, and his son who acts in ballet.

Monday 19th October 1964 -
Slept pretty well with Mrs Scott. After lunch Mr Scott took me to the station. Alec had gone back to work. Reached Morisset by 9.50pm where Mr Connerton met me. Talked till midnight!! had a fire.

Tuesday 20th October 1964 - NSW, Australia
Walked to Cooanbong with Mrs Connerton who gave me an ice cream and a drink of a milkshake. On the way went into see the very old lady who was sick. After lunch nothing much. Mr Connerton went to bed early. So did I.

Letter - 20th Oct 1964 - Pack 5

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mrs Conerton, Morisset Road, Cooranbong, N.S.W. To - Captain the Rev. and Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Ma and Pa,

Here I am on my way back to Maitland, stopping en route at various places. I had an excellent journey back from New Britain, and as it was daylight we had a good view of everything.

We had to wake up in darkness at 4.30.am and be down at the airport at 5.00.am. There was a while 40-50 minutes to wait, which the Sharps (including Robert) didn't seem to mind doing.

Finally had to say goodbye and in no time we were off - really pretty grim going up over Rabaul Harbour and the Volcanoes, extinct and otherwise, lying there in the early morning sun, not a ripple on the water.

It made me think of the poem which Shakespeare wrote about the old Britain, set in silver seas. But is wasn't very nice thinking it was the last time I would see it.

The day before Bruce had come back from one of his sea trips, and we went down to welcome him back and go on board the little ship which he goes on his surveys on. The captain of the ship had been one of our party at the ball, so welcomed us on.

Then we went and had a cup of tea at a junior surveyor's house, with three children. He had a half finished yacht in his back yard which he was in the process of making.

The views of New Britain and then across to New Guinea were interesting. We saw more rivers in New Guinea and went over another volcano.

Finally, were through customs at Sydney, and I was (making?) looking like a Papuan warrior, walking towards the bus, with a walking stick for Coursin Fred (Palmer) with a carved head on it. (I think he will like that as he is a keen walker). Someone else had a spear and someone else had a bow and arrows on the plane. I think we caused amusement to the customs.
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Photos - Walking stick for Rev Fred Palmer from Pat Heath-Caldwell

Walking stick given to Rev. Fred. Palmer by Pat Heath-Caldwell after her trip to Rabual 1964
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After a peaceful night in a motel, with a private shower, lav, and TV set all to myself I went on to see my friends the Scotts (she looking very well after her op). Watched TV in the evening - and showed them my colour slides - and their son who was in the navy 12 years showed me his photos.

Came up here yesterday afternoon and was up to midnight telling Mr and Mrs Connerton about my adventures. Hope to get to Fred's before lunch tomorrow.

Love from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, N.S.W, Australia continues . . .

Wednesday 21st October 1964
Up earlier. The old lady died at 9pm last night. Caught the bus at 8.15am (very crowded)! Back in Maitland at 11.30am. Saw 2 big trains pass, and some policemen escorting prisoners. Norah's sister - Carrie here at Rectory and brother-in-law. Dorah (now expecting) and Stan came to supper. Sat in sitting room opposite.

Letter - 21st Oct 1964 - Part 1 - Pack 5

From - Mrs V.M.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England.To - Miss P.C.M. Heath- Caldwell, c/o Rev.Fred. Palmer, St.Pauls Rectory, Maitland, NSW

My darling Pat,

Many thanks for your last letters from Rabaul. I was lovely to hear you had had such a good and happy time. It does make a great difference being with people that are your friends. You say you were nothing but car-sick when you were in New Zealand. That sounds awful, but --- it my love, thats what makes the other places seem so good, anyway New Zealand is celebrating its 150th Xmas this Xmas! Before that it was called Cannibal Island! and unchristianised!!

I'm sure it would be better this year: we had the Marshes with us on Sunday and they both enjoyed a walk after lunch in the fields. Cresswell's fields. She was rather upset about Colin not writing to her, but its difficult, I would say when you are farming. I think she'd been doing too much lately with visitors.

She talked alot about meeting you that day in B., and how good you were to her. I think she enjoyed the day and was looking well. They stayed until after tea. She even asked us to go and stay there! Which I think was pretty dashing of her. I believe the grandchildren hadn't been well either this last summer, or winter for them, so I expect Claire was pretty busy.

They said they were expecting Jimmy for Xmas, perhaps you could start a tour walking over there but that will all be settled for you I expect.

We are, of course, thrilled that Jimmy has got the separation, we hear she is in no hurry to take another husband!! Yet. The cheek of the woman, enough said. I'm really rather tired of the subject, aren't you, except you'll come up against it more. I'll send things for the children to either Lucy, Doris or Enid. I'm not sure which yet!

The weather here has been simply lovely, and quite summery

Letter No.2

.. and hardly a leaf off the tree yet. I don't seem to be able to get much done in the way of work these days but am getting better at it, and can do a walk easily now and actually picked some blackberries when I went to meet Daddy and the dogs, and got up to the blackberry place in 10 minutes. So we are having blackberry and apple tart today!

I decided not to go to Danny yesterday as I had promised. Rather awful of me, but at the same time I like my own home at the moment better, and just paddling along as I wish.

The Harvest Supper went off very well and they gave Mrs Wills her presents, a gold watch, whistle, and a transistor, a small one. And, of course, she was completely overcome and Brinky made a suitable speech, very nicely I hear. So all went off very well. I wish I could have been there without the trouble of going!

The Grants have their grandson and he was christened into the R.C. Church when a week old. Grandpa had not been allowed to see him when we went up, after a few days, but presumably everybody could see him when he was christened. The R.C.'s are a funny crowd.

I haven't seen Beau to speak of for a long time but we heard her pass the house!!!
I hope to go up to Diana next week, I expect Daddy will be looked after by both Lily and Mrs Damen and the two dogs.

What do you want for Xmas! Could you give me some idea, as I'd like to know, and it better be useful. I should think you'd want a whole new wardrobe by now for the summer, you can't go on washing things and expect them to keep looking nice so tell me (however?) as soon as you jolly well can.

You must try and look up to date. I feel a new woman since I went down to the hairdressers and had mine (rinsed?) and set!! And Daddy actually said to me!! I was pleased.

Well, cheerio and thanks for you xmas card darling

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, N.S.W, Australia continues . . .

Thursday 22nd October 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Down by 8.30am. Went round to Freya's to help her with work. Broke eggs with John's help. Everything looked tidier. Slept after lunch till 4.30pm. Tea. Freya came round with children. After tea went round to watch TV with Freya. Awful films as usual of course.

Friday 23rd October 1964

Norah's sister Carrie went at 9am with husband. Fred and Norah worked like slaves in garden. I wrote to Mummy. After that helped them to move stones. Posted letter after finish. Then rested for (2) hours. Freya brought the children over. Norah and I went to her, over at 8pm for TV. Quite good prgramme, but I'm sure it makes my eyes queer!!

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Letter - Friday 23rd Oct 1964

From Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Rev.Fred. &Mrs Palmer, St.Pauls Rectory, Maitland, NSW -To - Capt. the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Just had a very good letter from Mrs Marsh. She writes very well - misses her children quite a bit.

My dear Mummy,

Thank you for your big fat one written on 2nd October which was ready for me here when I got here on Wednesday last. Also for the one I received at Rabaul last week.

I'll send this one to Ros and I hope it will reach you before you leave her - you must be there my now from Danny's. Hope it has been fun with the different families and they have given you a lot of fun.

I had such a pile of letters waiting for me on my arrival here, that I hardly know which to start with! but I thought I'd answer yours first! as really and truly you are the most important correspondent in spite of my nasty remarks at times!

'I have one letter from Fred's son Joe to answer who is still in Channel 9, Sydney, and has seen the film Tom Jones - and has had no idea up till now - how beautiful England is - truly the ignorance of the young amazes me! (But Norah never said a truer word - its the people in the country - not the country that makes a place attractive!).

Also, one from Daddy, and all about as you have said, Jimmy's affairs, things certainly are looking better for him now. Research into Forestry sounds interesting - and, of course, I have learnt a lot more about that sort of thing living in Bruce Sharp's house - a surveyor in a wild country has a lot to do with this sort of thing - and what a healthy life it is, the open air - that is partly why Bruce went into it - and the warm tropical air has cured his asthma.

With regard to Jimmy I suppose we shall in time hear what arrangements, if any, there are about the children - and meanwhile I'm not going to even ask Jimmy, and probably I'll hear more about it at Christmas.

I also had a letter from Gladys B., who does not write a good letter, but one would say that she has other more solid gifts perhaps than that. Evidently Michael is well into it now, she says he is a novice! (sounds almost like a monk!), but of course that is Kelham.

She said she had had a quiet tea with you and you were looking much better. Otherwise, she seems to be on the gad everywhere all the time.

Then I have had two letters from my old friend Miss McDonald (you remember the friend who thinks no one should ever get married!). Well, I hope to spend a few days with her in the Blue Mountains - its a very pretty part of N.S.W. and she says there is a rhododendron show on!!

My friends the Scotts are going to drive me 60 miles up there as she, Mrs Scott, wants some fresh air after her illness, which she is now well over.

So you see I'm writing madly to everyone, as Christmas is coming too, and I have sent off a lot of Christmas cards (some home made ones too).

Enid Cookson, who simply pesters me with letters, will have to wait too - although I should write and tell her that I hope to be over in New Zealand about 18th December again. (Yesterday I went straight to the travel agency to fix up my return trip, as Bruce in his methodical way - told me that there is often a rush in air trips to New Zealand from here at Christmas time).

Well, I had a good journey down from Rabaul, I think I told you, I really shed a few tears leaving the place - it was so beautiful. I felt like reciting the Shakespearean speech which was written about 'old' England "A precious stone set in a silver sea," - "New " Britain looked even more like this.

I left the Connertons - they are a dear elderly pair - she about 68 - he about 64. He still works as a sort of mental nurse cum carpenter at the nearby mental hospital and has some tales to tell about the bullies who work in mental hospitals as some of the staff are. He suffers a lot from a bad leg, but goes on working as he gets more than if he retired, and, of course, can't really afford to retire. (Also, of course, in Australia, you have to be rich to be able to be ill!).

I stayed a day with the Connertons and of course they are good neighbours and Mrs went to visit an old lady who actually was on her deathbed. (She died that night). We had spoken to her when we stayed there before and she was up, this time she was in bed. Her family was looking after and or course it was pretty hot, and they kept the windows SHUT, because they did not want her to take her clothes off herself - and to my mind I expect she probably didn't like having all the windows shut. Anyhow, Mrs Connerton said "Why don't you go in and say hullo to her, she would like it?" so I did. Anyhow, they came round next day to say she had died. Must have been too much for her seeing me, as I was a comparative stranger.

I caught the bus the next day, and it was gradually filled up with school children until you couldn't squeeze in a fly if you tried. The old bus would only just move! Some of the (?) school (?) children were 6 feet high and could have walked - and they have delinquency problems here too. (Not enough exercise I think - and I bet they wouldn't make such good runners as some of the Olympic runners - we saw an Ethiopian on TV last night winning a 26 miles race in Tokyo at the end instead of falling flat and resting he did a series of physical jerks, touching his toes etc just to show he wasn't tired at all.)

Arrived here in Maitland on Wednesday morning to find Norah had her sister and brother-in-law staying with her. Her sister was telling me a little of the life they used to lead on their father's farm. The family literally had to leave school at the age of 12 because they were just too far out to be educated - they are a good bit more educated than many people who have been to grand and so called good schools.

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Carrie - Photo

Carrie - Caroline Woodford (ne Gerard) sister of Norah Palmer, who liked reading newspapers and doing crosswords
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Anyhow, they left this morning to return to their home 250 miles away up near the Queensland border. And Norah is going up there in November and they have asked me to go too. It is up by the sea - a place called Coff's Harbour! So that's another excitement to look forward to. I shall probably also meet Norah's only brother who had bad luck like Jimmy, he and his latest wife have just been to America. He has a lot to do with the entertainment world and runs a cinema!!! So there is never a dull moment.

Fred says he has written to you and it may be in this letter, but it may be coming on its own. He does not write so many letters now. He says he would be sure you would have liked to know more about this place if you had been here.

His half-brother, who lives in Brisbane, and has now retired, invited out some English people to share his house there - got new furniture for them and everything. They stayed here a month and have now sailed back, they did not like it!!

Norah is gardening hard - I must go and join her soon, it may rain here soon which they hope for very much. I have really started to have my summer now. After two months in Rabaul with nice warm STICKY weather - it has warmed up here quite a bit - and all the trees have got their spring green leaves on, and the flowers are out - roses here.
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Photo - Norah Palmer in the garden at Maitland

Norah Palmer in the garden at Maitland.
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Yesterday the wireless told us - it was hotter here than it has been in new Guinea - it was 92° here yesterday - but a different sort of dry heat.

As I say, I leave here about 18th December for New Zealand. Must write and find out more about this walking tour.

ISN'T IT WONDERFUL HOW LOIS HAS COMPLETELY CURED MY FEET OF THAT PEELING THING? There is not a sign of it now. I'm going to write and ask here what ideas she has of curing Norah's fingers of the thing she has on them round the finger nails.

I have not showed them my colour slides yet, but on Saturday week, one of the husbands is going to borrow a projector and then I'll be able to give them a lecture on New Guinea!!What do you think about (Krunk?)? No doubt if people had heard that sooner - Alec might have got back in. Several people here think that Wilson will not be in long if he has such a small majority. Bruce told me that N.S.W. was a very Labour place and that Victoria (where he comes from) is more conservative. I never knew this properly before.

Tonight, the Labour leader of Australia, a man called Calwell(!) is coming to Maitland to a ball. the pictures of him certainly don't flatter him, and some say that if Menzies went out and Labour got in he would be the next P.M. he has a ghastly common voice, and Fred says, plays up to the workers no end, by putting it on a lot!

Lots of love, from Pat.

Fred was very pleased with an Indonesian WALKING STICK I bought for him, and Norah had some Chinese brocade.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, N.S.W, Australia continues . . .

Saturday 24th October 1964
Joe arrived at 9pm just when we were talking about Miss Kershaw being Mrs Foldi's sister! He is about to leave her and get another flat. Norah practised the organ early. I walked to the town and posted a letter. Not a very bright day, rather cold. Puddles in places. David came to lunch. Primrose and her curlers.

Sunday 25th October 1964
Went to the early service. Met Betty Moore afterwards. Freya came in after the children's service. Great morning tea. After lunch sat in garden and listened to the R.C. service being broadcast. Joe and his mother did hens, chopped down tree. The children came over - took a photo. One twin wasn't very well. Johnny who sick. Went to the evening service. Good sermon.

Monday 26th October 1964
Peaceful day - hardly any visitors. I cleaned the bathroom. Norah did the washing. 2 letters from Mummy - wrote back. Car brought back, so we went down the town. Gardened afterwards. I went early to bed (10pm). Primrose did typing. Had her hair up.

Diary of Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell

Saturday 24th October 1964

Joe arrived at 9pm just when we were talking about Miss Kershaw being Mrs Foldi's sister! He is about to leave her and get another flat. Norah practised the organ early. I walked to the town and posted a letter. Not a very bright day, rather cold. Puddles in places. David came to lunch. Primrose and her curlers.

Sunday 25th October 1964

Went to the early service. Met Betty Moore afterwards. Freya came in after the children's service. Great morning tea. After lunch sat in garden and listened tothe R.C. service being broadcast. Joe and his mother did hens, chopped down tree. The children came over - took a photo. One twin wasn't very well. Johnny who sick. Went to the evening service. Good sermon.

Monday 26th October 1964

Peaceful day - hardly any visitors. I cleaned the bathroom. Norah did the washing. 2 letters from Mummy - wrote back. Car brought back, so we went down the town. Gardened afterwards. I went early to bed (10pm). Primrose did typing. Had her hair up.

Letter - Monday, 26th Oct 1964

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Rev. F. Palmer, St. Paul's Rectory, Maitland, NSWTo - Mrs V.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mrs D. Charlton, Bullingdon House, The Buttermarket, Thame, Oxfordshire, UK

My dearest Mummy,

Thank you for your 2 letters! received today. I had a very good letter from Iris Marsh, but she did seem rather worried about Colin's teeth and her daughter's burn. In fact, it was what one would expect from someone at one end of the world with ill relatives at other. She has very good clear handwriting - but I'm sorry for her - "the penalty of being a parent" she says. However, she much enjoyed the day with you, and reassured me about your health.

I don't suppose D. has queries of people wanting to marry her at all, well, she should have stuck to one. I should think Lucy or Doris would be good to send Xmas presents for the children too - I'll have to explore possibilities of seeing the children when I return which I hope to do 17th - 18th or 19th Dec.

I can't get over the lovely summer you have had - now, of course, I'm just starting my summer having come through a New Zealand and Australian winter. Last week it was 92° here, and then we had some very welcome rain.

I'm not really surprised you haven't yet gone, but I wonder will you read this at Danny's. Is Mrs Wills over instead.

Could you hold your Christmas Card? present? What I mean is - Mummy, that I have had excess luggage coming over here, and this is a terrible BURDEN when you have to carry all your luggage yourself as one does here. (Actually, at Sydney all the men seemed to be lined up to help me, but this is unusual and the more one has the less happy one is).

I carried Lois and Bruce's Christmas present - a book - well, its all extra weight, and I do not need more clothes - for some reason English clothes are more up to date than their's here, and I have more than enough still. Also, of course, having been spending a lot on travelling, I feel I mustn't spend too much. But I am very content, or would be, with a Christmas card, and, or course, I love hearing all the weekly news. Mrs Brinky's letter was nice, but not so funny as yours.

Fancy you getting my Christmas card already. Rabaul told us we should send them off early, do you think it is the picture I painted from Lois's front door? This was not a Christmas card but a Cheer-up present. I must contact Jimmy and find out a little more about this camping trip.

Yes, the Catholics christen their babies at a week old, just to be sure, I suppose! Yesterday afternoon (Sunday) I sat in the garden and listened to an open air service for Catholics being broadcast from a neighbouring playground. I suppose you know that they do it all in English now, which certainly makes it easier to understand.

Freya came over with her four children yesterday. One of the twins was feeling feverish, and then little John (age about four) was sick. So they thought that they would go home. Joe was back for the day from his TV job in Sydney. He has a hectic time trying to find lodgings that are suitable. Mostly people are very old who do it, and are consequently pretty useless when coping with an eighteen year old boy.

At one place he was shown into a room where the occupier had not gone. She was an arty crafty woman (divorcee) of 30 or there abouts, who proceeded to interview him in French and then Dutch, and then taped the conversation. She then proceeded to take her clothes off and put on a dressing gown. Joe managed to get out alright! But he is most amusing and had us in fits.

Love from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, N.S.W, Australia continues . . .

Tuesday 27th October 1964
Wrote letters a lot of today. Freya came over with the children and stayed to lunch. Took them across the park. Took letters to post. Gardened. Glen came in, so did Mrs Newton. Went to bed early. Celia Hill rang up.

Wednesday 28th October 1964
Cousin Fred went to Morpeth in his car. I washed hair and caught 12mid train to Newcastle. Saw Dona. Could not find pastels or plants. Met Celia at 2pm. (Very hardfaced looking!). Had coffee. Did some shopping and came back to Stockton. Saw Margaret - better looking than Linda. Malcolm stayed on at work till midnight.

Thursday 29th October 1964
Quiet day. Slept a bit after lunch. Hot. Two young mormons came and called on Fred. Norah and I listened outside the door. After lunch we went down the town. David came to tea. Freya did not come over.

Friday 30th October 1964
Felt very tired after seeing Celia who is a depressing person - don't go there again whatever else you do. Cleaned silver. Norah had a meeting to decide about Sunday School.

Letter - Friday, 30th Oct 1964

From - Capt. the Rev. C.H.Heath-Caldwell D.S.C., The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England
To - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Rev.F. Palmer, St. Paul's Rectory, Cross St, Maitland, NSW

Dear Pat,

Thanks for letter of 24th. Ma has twice put off her visit to Danny, although she is in very good form. She may go next week, I don't know, and I am careful neither to encourage or discourage the visit - because when she does go off she usually (continues?) to pick up a bug or get a cold, and really I think the (perhaps) rather dull routine here suits her best.

As regards Jimmy's affairs we had a fairly full account from Claire (Trowbridge), but neither she nor Jimmy said anything about a forestry research job, so I wonder perhaps whether you may have jumped to conclusions about that. All he said in his last letter (Oct 4th) was that he had a separation, with a view to divorce because it seemed the only thing to do, that there wasn't much love lost on either side, and that he couldn't be too hard on Dora because the children would suffer most.

I still fail to understand what D. was really up to - obviously one cannot rely on anything she says and equally obviously my trip to NZ last October upset some plan she had formed. Mrs B. may or may not have been involved. I still fail to understand what the plan was. If (as you say) D. told Jimmy she was not looking for another man just yet, it would suggest to me that she actually has someone in mind!

Moody, the parson, must have formed a dim view of her attitude, otherwise he would hardly have written such a damning letter to me about her.

Summing up on the whole the outlook for Jimmy seems a good deal brighter than it was a year ago, and I expect the whole episode has taught him to be more prudent in future -

"Mortal Prudence, handmaid of Divine Providence, hath inscrutable reckoning with Fate and Fortune. We Sail a changeful sea through Halcyon days and storm and when the ship laboureth our steadfast purpose trembles like as the compass in a binnacle. Our Stability is but Balance and conduct (should be 'wisdom') lies in masterful administration of the unforeseen" - seems to me good advice. (Robert Bridges)

Love Pa.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, N.S.W, Australia continues . . .

Saturday 31st October 1964
Joe rang up early to say he'd be on TV at 10am. So we went and watched at Mrs Newton's. Saw his cap and his shoulders sticking out at the back! Also watched TV at 3.30pm, but nothing but a lot of twisting teenagers. Prepared films. Showed films in the evening at Freya's and Beaven's. They looked quite nice.

Sunday 1st November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Went to early service. Quite a lot of people. David and other redhead came to breakfast. Felt rather yawny.

Monday 2nd November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Norah did washing which I helped her with. Letter from Miss McDonald who wants me to go Wednesday or Thursday. After earliesh lunch Norah and I walked up to town and shopped - back at 3.30pm. After tea we went to see an excellent short film called "An Evening with the Royal Ballet" with Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. (Norah and I). Thunderstorm and rain in the night.

2nd Nov 1964 - Pack 3

From - James A.Heath-Caldwell, Rotoehu Forest , NZ
To - Mrs V.M.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

Dear Ma,
Thank you for your letter. Its great to hear that you are really up and about once again exercising the dogs and so on. I don't often write, I know, mainly because there isn't a lot to write about here. I think in a few months time I ought to get another job for a change and try to get one which might interest me. Unfortunately I was not brought up to judge jobs entirely from the money paid for doing them.

It was a relief today when it rained for 2 hours during which time we got wet but we also retired to our bus to play cards as the rain came down. The only advantage the job has is that it is in the open air and that it is not a badly paid one. - I get £15 per week when tax has been paid - of this I send Dora about £7 for the children which leaves me something to live on. If I lived in a town I'd have to pay £5 a week at least for a flatlet and then I should have to cook for myself and do my own washing too - which would be an existence only.

However, sometime I must go to Auckland and just see what my luck is - I'd have to try to earn about £20 a week to be as well off as I'm here.

I'm afraid usually my mind revolves around things like that - ones mind usually does when one has no home I should think.

I don't think your idea of coming out here to see me is a very good one at all. Presumably you'd come with Pa and fly. I'd not know where I'd be and there would be nowhere near here where you could stay and there wouldn't be anything to talk about because we usually talk in our letters don't we?

The more practicable thing would be for me to come back to England by sea which would be cheaper all round but I don't want to come home one little bit. I've always been cut off from the village people at home as well as being cut off from your retired moneyed set - so you see really I'd not be coming home to anything at all which could satisfy me.

Really, I'm much better off here endeavouring to get to know the people, work and fate put near me.

Here, socially, there is a gap even between those single men, like me, who live in the single men's camp and between the married working men who live a mile and a half away down the road in the forestry village. In the camp there are about 36 of us - six Europeans, Twentynine Maoris and one Fijian who has just arrived. The Maoris come and go but all of them seem to have families to go home to. Some of them are here on probation - and some have been to Borstal - or its equivalent here. One boy here was at Tokonui with me - we both worked in the kitchen - his job was doing the washing up and I was helping in the kitchen and washing up too. He had some mental trouble too - but, of what sort I don't know.

By the way a book by Frank Slaughter called "Daybreak" might interest you - it interested me. He write very well and interestingly.

I hope Pat will be able to come on my proposed walking holiday at Xmas. I don't think she quite realises yet that I intend to walk and camp and not go near any hotels. She should appreciate a bed once again after the holiday if she comes.

On Thursday I''ll pay my routine visit in to Tauranga to see my doctor and find out if I can get a rifle. If I can I'll be able to go out deer stalking at the w/e's but I'm afraid he'll say no.

Hope all of you and retinue and livestock are well.

Love Jimmy.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, N.S.W, Australia continues . . .

Tuesday 3rd November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Got ourselves ready and at 12.15pm were picked up by Mrs Adams and Ron. Went to Mrs Briley's house. Terrific lunch and watched the Melbourne Cup. Did not win a horse. Polo Prince won the prize. Very good, stayed till 4.30pm. Back at 5pm. Letters from Daddy, films from Lois, also from Mrs Scott. Rang up Miss Mack and Mrs Scott.

Wednesday 4th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Two chickens killed. One was a hen. Wrote a long letter to Lois. Norah and I went down to an auction sale - I walked on to the town. She did not buy anything. The young curate came to tea. Primrose's half day. Freya came over with the children. She has a bad cold now. Glen Brookes came in the evening with Primrose.

Wednesday, 4th Nov 1964

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, co Rev.Fred & Norah Palmer, St.Paul's Rectory, Cross St, Maitland, NSW
To - Capt. the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

My dear Pop

Many happy returns for the day - hope this reaches you in good time. Airmails come through (here) so quickly that you may get this by 7th November. If not by then, perhaps the 9th. As I never know which really is your birthday - with luck this my reach you at the right time.

The photo shows a lovely cactus flower that Lois and Bruce had in their garden - it only last for about 8-12 hours. It was right outside my bedroom while I was in Rabaul.

Tomorrow I go to Sydney and the next day up to the Blue Mountains for the weekend. They have had snow there in the last two days - and yet the temperature was about 92° last week - this is a pretty variable climate!

Yesterday they had their "Melbourne Cup" day which is equal to England's National. All the women all over the place give parties to watch the race and have a party at the same time. Norah and I put on our best bibs and tuckers and went off to the house of a certain Mrs Bailey! (keep calm - she was no relation I'm sure!) A landowner near here. She was also an expert cook - and if you had seen the food that woman had prepared all on her own, you would have fainted. The profit went to the hospital which was good - £15. She also had a very neat little garden.

Its funny about the "research" to do with forestry - evidently you were not the one who told me, but I did have a long letter from Enid, who told me much what you had told me. Colin had rung them up and said how 100% Jim was and that the separation was signed and evidently I expect he is still thinking hard about all the things he could do. No doubt his brain is working well, although he may think he is not fit enough to do all these things he want to.

At any rate, I know someone told me had was thinking of research - and if it wasn't you it must have been Enid who wrote me a long letter about it (Now torn up unfortunately.)

(I am writing this in the garden - its a lovely sunshiny morning - suddenly a noise and a neighbour pokes his head over the tops with a large paper bag and throws it down - it contains food for the chickens - Norah's hens are now laying about 6-8 a day)

I wrote to Jimmy last week, so should hear soon from him some news about the walking tour (?!) Otherwise, I have not heard for some time - no news is good news.

We still have not heard if President Johnson is in again (3,11,64) - but I expect he is by now. Nobody thinks much of Goldwater out here.

I've just changed my position in the garden, as it sounds as if Fred is killing one of the chooks! Joe is coming home for three days at the weekend and they want to give him a good feed! I shall, unfortunately, miss him, he is a nice boy.

All the best and love from Pat

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, N.S.W, Australia continues . . .

Thursday 5th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Caught midday train from Maitland. Norah walked me to the station. Flyer was comfortable. Reached SWcotts at 4pm. They had been to the station to meet me. Alec Scott was there and most friendly. Watched good programme on TV.

Friday 6th November 1964 - Katoomba, NSW
Started out our trip 9am. Reached Katoomba at 11am. Had picnic on way. Did some shopping in town. Reached Mrs Mac's at 12.45pm. Had tea and biscuits, buns etc etc. Then Scotts went off. Treworthes rang up and came up to take us to the rhododendron show at Blackheath. Very good fun.

Letter - 6th Nov 1964

From - Rev.Fred. Palmer, St.Paul's Rectory, Cross St, Maitland, NSW
To - Mrs V.M.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

My dear Cousin Violet,

I do hope this finds you and Cuthbert well. As you know, we have Pat here with us although just now she is staying with a friend in the Blue Mountains. I was able to tell her much of the locality as I have been there many times. She is in excellent health and quite happy here - helps Mum in the house quite a lot (and there is plenty to do here too).

All our family are well - our fourth girl (Rosalind) has now her first born, a lovely child - boy. I think I shall even be quite a Patriarch! Our son Joseph is doing well. Works all day at a Television Station and also studies at night - Everybody like Joe.

Mum keeps well - a terrific worker - gets on well with Pat. I sincerely hope that you and yours are quite well and trust that your "Jimmie" is well. Of course Pat keeps us informed.

Norah's garden is now shewing good results. (They are nearly all the familiar English variety) Pat does a lot in the vegetable garden.

Like myself, she is interested in Painting and Stamp collecting. She brought me back some nice stamps from Rabaul (Lois's place). Then too she finds Norah an agreeable companion as you may guess.

Her account of Dorset Antiquities I find interesting - I lived near there years ago as a lad. We have a fine old church here - very old. Mum is the organist and is very keen about it. I take services but rarely.

There is plenty of life around here and our Park attracts hordes of people, especially children.

Altho' I do not write to you often, nevertheless I often think of you. I have, of course, six children, each wanting letters - birthday cards (even for my numerous grandchildren! what it is to be a Patriarch!

I keep well with Prayer and Care - do hope you are also well and still (with God's) help able to find many interests and joy in life. God bless and Keep you.

Your most loving cousin, Fred.

Letter - Probably Friday 6th November 1964 - Pack 5

From - Mrs V.M.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, Enlgand.
To - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Rev.F.Palmer, The Rectory, Cross St, Maitland, NSW

My Darling Pat,

I can't compete with you in writing interesting letters. I think you should keep a proper diary and then write a book of travels, it would go down like hot-cakes, especially these days when books, good ones, are very far and few between! Excepting of course, biographies, travels and the like.

So here we are just the same as usual! Except Daddy has gone in to town on his own, and its very wet indeed, so I can't go out. Yesterday was a simply gorgeous day, all sunshine. Can you beat it, and after taking my parcel for the Trowbridges to the Post at 3.pm and the dogs, I then took them out for the usual trot. Met Daddy and he came along too.

The beagles from Oxford had met here at 1.pm, so I was well in the look out, as Danny(?) was on the loose, and Twinkle on the string(?), when we saw the beagles coming round that round hill, full cry. But we did not see the hare! Anyway, they kept round the hill and then across the low fields and up over the other hills towards Maiden Newton, we could see the men with their (wilpece?) coats and white breeches, very posh. But not a woman in sight. They then disappeared well up over the hill on the right and we were able to let Twinkle off.

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Cattistock Hunt in front of the Pound House

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We didn't go much further as by this time it was 4 o'clock and beginning to get darkish. Mrs Rickson and two small ones were taking their dog for a walk and hadn't even heard the hounds. Mrs Rickson tells me that only the other day a fox got in to the District nurse's hen coup and killed 9 hens, and she herself found him in there!! And of course, couldn't kill it!! So in spite of the hounds they go on killing.

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Rider getting ready for the Cattistock Hunt, in front of the Pound House

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We have now got on a good footing with the new-comers, the Culvers(?), a widow, a Mrs Bilby of the shipping line. She is a very nice little woman, very quiet, and she must be very wealthy if she has any money from that line!! She wanted Daddy to have some manure that the Spencers had left behind, but it was no good, so she is going to get somebody to clean out the stables. She already had something to do, or say, with the S.Powels! about a fence. They always want something different to what is being arranged. Mrs Bilby has a very nice voice.

We hope to have David Attwood to lunch on Sunday, and he may bring a friend with him. Its bound to be a bit dull for him by himself. Jimmy writes that you and he may go on this walking tour! but that you are going to sleep it rough! He's a one isn't he!

Where would you like me to send the money to? An answer will oblige your mother. Lily says she is writing to you today. She is in fine form, her eyes are giving her a little trouble since her fall. She has really got a little too fat.

The Dr came to see me on Monday, just to make sure and I still go on with the pills which are very easy to take. I also take my aspro and they do very good work too. He says its my faith in them!!! He's a queer one. I don't really know if he does know his job or not. He certainly leaves one with the impression that he couldn't care less!! So comforting. I suspect that's really only an impression.

Met Beau Foster just outside our back gate the day before yesterday, and asked him how she was. She couldn't come to the Conservatives Meeting a short time ago, said she was alright again. Had some inside complaint and then we said various things till we arrived at Hell! All because she said she quite ready to die anytime. It might have been that that made me say she could always put herself under the local bus!!!.

So you can imagine how hilarious our conversation was! She didn't get any change out of me!! Says she rises at 6.30.am (not fun?) and goes to bed every afternoon for a couple of hours! She has no one living in of course, and I expect enjoys it really. But she's not the only one here without anyone to cook. Mrs C---ll is also without a cook, but, of course, she has everything so locked up all the time, even the salt!! Nothing is ever left out, so untidy, don't you know!! Is it any wonder they can't get anyone to stay there. How can people stay there, and of course, people will talk. You can't keep that sort of thing dark.

Now, our new Mrs Bilby hasn't any servants at all, and doesn't mind saying so! Perfectly straight about it, and says she is a very tidy person! She told me so. She has an Airdale dog, with one blind eye whom she adopted which was very kind of her, I think.

Well, I don't seem to have any more news. Danny and her three are more or less alright. She found Sophie putting on the same face that Danny does herself when driving the car! In (going?) I haven't been able to go up there, but at this time of year I'd (rather?) be at home.

Everybody is always asking for you so I give them all your latest travels. Now I will stop as it time. Much love darling from your ever loving Mum.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, N.S.W, Australia continues . . .

Saturday 7th November 1964 - Katoomba, NSW
Felt very tired. House very stuffy, opened windows. Walked down to post with photographs.
Sat out in sun after lunch, got pretty hot. Then walked down to Valley of the Waters - met a Queen's nurse there - am to visit her sister at Branksome, Poole when I get back. Rev. Martin-Austin.
Memoranda - Must get Reader's Digest for someone! Ask Cousin Fred about soapstone dug out at Buladela.

Sunday 8th November 1964 - Katoomba, NSW
Went to 10am service at Presbyterian church - very few there. Child noisy. Walked back, parson(?) passed on passed us(?). After luncheon we went out to see an old lady who was blind - 92. Two handsome children (both over 65).

Monday 9th November 1964 - Katoomba, NSW
Miss Mac's. Left early and went to Katoomba and on to Blackheath. Saw Blue Mountains and Echo Point, also an interesting museum run by people called the Wards. Had lunch. Back in evening. Good arguments with Mrs Mac!

Tuesday 10th November 1964 - Katoomba, NSW
Went down to shops. Saw about tickets. After lunch set out to paint Mount Solitary, the Jamieson Valley and Cathedral Point. Back by 5pm.

Wednesday 11th November 1964 - Katoomba, NSW
Had breakfast early. Saw Miss Mac into train at 7.10am. Walked back and went straight to Valley of teh Waters where i did my picture. Back at 10am and had cup of tea and honey. Caught train at 11.30am. Changed at Strathfield where I had a milk shake and a meat pie. Caught Brisbane Express and back in rectory at 5.15pm. Norah in bed with a bad cold. Primrose doing the supper. Lots of letters - also one from Boys.

Thursday 12th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Norah had a bit of a rest twice today . Fred and I went down to do the shopping. Norah and Fred went to bed.

Friday 13th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Up earliesh. Caught 10am train to Darah's. Had a nice time and tried to do a sketch of her (rather poor). Took some photos. Drove back to supper here. Norah not too bad. Ros and Bruce and baby arriving here tomorrow night.

Saturday 14th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Nothing much. Hot day. Wrote to Dora and post at 12mid with letter for Enid. Slept a bit pm. Woke up and went to a wedding with Norah She went on and played at the reception. Canon came to tea and took her on. Joe and Primrose rang up at 11.15pm.
Memoranda - 2 KA Wireless. 7.15pm every night. Judas Tree A.J. Cronin. "A Far Country" Neville Shute. Norah's ancestors. Caroline and John Gerard married in Somerset August 5th 1939. Where?

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Photo of Norah Palmer - enjoying the wedding breakfast would go here

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Sunday 15th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Went to the early service. A lot of people there. Freya came in with the children afterwards. Slept in the afternoon, then Primrose took me for a walk in the park. There I took some pictures of Glen Brooker and her and a Silky Oak tree. Evening service -about six there. Ron has been hospitalised again.

Monday 16th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Norah's headache still bad. Persuaded her to go to the doctor. Made the appointment. She went in the afternoon. Primrose, Joyce Owens (now Mrs Blair) and Alec picked meup and took me to Wallsend! Margaret Crawford was there, and Helen Hallams and husband and son came in afterwards - saw pictures.

Tuesday 17th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Up at 8am. After morning tea when a stranger landed in on us by mistake, went off to the beach picking up Margaret Crawford on the way. Had a lovely surf. After that went to afternoon tea wiht Jean Charleston. Back and watched TV in the evening. Wrote to Jimmy.

Wednesday 18th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Went off early swimming with Margaret Crawford and her niece to Bar Beach. Had a good swim. Back by bus and taxi, and lunch with Patsy Fran. Watched TV in the evening.

Letter - 18th Nov 1964

From - Mrs V.M.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England
To - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Rev.Fred.Palmer, The Rectory, Cross St, Maitland, NSW

My Darling Pat,

Many thanks for your letter of the 10th Sept, with the very nice paintings of the flowers and garden, it make it so much more real to us. I'm so glad, by your letter to us yesterday that you are (conys?) friend Mrs Scott but I suppose by now you have gone off to the sea place and got some bathing, more good to you my dear, and I hope you are in good health too. That is very important to your enjoyment.

We went in to town yesterday and in the bank our friend there told us that lots of people had had the same flue as I had. In fact one man had collapsed behind the bath window, and it was with great difficulty that his wife got him out as he couldn't move, just like me. Children have had it in a normal way and got over it in 2 or 3 days. People are beginning to think it's all these things they put in the food, and on the fields etc etc, that effects people. They say that Dorset is the healthiest county in the South, anyway, and I think it is.

Did I tell you poor Mr Holly had to go in to Dorchester Hospital to have an ulcer removed, and they found 2, and removed both the same time. He is now on a milk diet and isn't home yet. Mrs Holly was in a very nervous state naturally about him. She has to go and keep Mrs (Criswal?) who I don't think has anyone to keep her at the moment, and Mrs Dewdney has a cut hand, and has had to have penicillin, so it was bad, to the palm of her hand. So there are the casualties for you.

Jan is having her house added a new bathroom in it, and another room in the attic facing out towards the school and as she was off every week to work in London, the men, 8 in all, don't work too quickly. Its a firm from Maiden Newton who have got one of Mr Palmer's former workers.

I haven't seen the widow from (calway?) lately, but she must be still settling in. I see in today's papers Prince Charles sold his essays to another boy for 30/- and it was taken to Germany, I think, where it must have got a good price. If this is true, no smoke without fire. He said some rather to the truth things about politicians.

And what do you think of the M.P.'s putting their pay up, and back dating it, but the old age pensioners have to wait for their's till next spring. A bit thick I think, and did you hear of the remark about that awful man Kenyatta made by the funny players "more a way of life!! And that the Kenyans are very annoyed about it! and somebody said they wouldn't think any differently about him (through?) it than they did before it was the English way of being funny, and was only meant for the English!! That was nasty one of course he looks just like a cracker cap!! and the whisk he carries I think they also had that too!! A real figure of fun, but it is rather holding him up to ridicule.

We had two Xmas cakes with Lilly's help, and am going to start the Xmas pudding soon, not that I like them much. All for now.

Much much love darling, your mum.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, N.S.W, Australia continues . .

Thursday 19th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Dull wet day. Alec off duty. Picked up Margaret Crawford, and went to R.N.H. Saw new home, Sister Burdnen, saw Sister Howorth (head of midwife) Joyce Owens sister, old maid sweeping in Ward 11. Matron Hills. Various old wardsmen. Lucas in surgical department (outpatients). Had drive back and milk shakeat Big W. Good chat with Crawford, (Met her mother). In evening went to Belmont to Joyce's mother. Ruth Blair - about a year old now.

Friday 20th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Got up late as Joyce, and Alec had been awakened in the night by the old man next door. Went off to Port Stevens. Had a good picnic, with Alec and the barbecue. Lots of small ships and a big one and a dog. Paddled. Reached home 4.45pm. Left to pick up Crawford and Ryth Marks to go to see "Call me Madam" and lovely supper. Good shows. Good seats.

Saturday 21st November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Late morning. Dawdled and talked over lunch. Left about 3.30pm. Stopped and looked at Sugar Loaf. Went to the top with Alec. Took photos. Back at rectory at 5pm. Went to "Tom Jones" with Freya and Norah. Rather homesick!! Good film, and fun to see again.
Memoranda - Patsy Trace (immac?) Shirley McKenna - "Nudit" for face. Helena Rubinstein.'

Sunday 22nd November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Early service - quite good. Freya came in while Norah was doing the 10am service. Washed hair after lunch. Then Darah, Stan, Freya, Bevan and the children turned up for afternoon tea. Evening service to say goodbyes to red headed trainer (student) for church. Good sermon. Caught 10.15 pm from Maitland with Norah. Slept fairly well, (2nd Class) on cushions.

Monday 23rd November 1964 - Coff's Harbour, NSW
Arrived 5.20am at Coff's Harbour. Met by Aunty Cassie and Woody. Went and had a rest! After lunch went down to the beach. Came up and walked to the bowling green. Then to B. Jack's house. She said he would give me letters to two people, one in Manchester and the other London who had theatres(?) Bad. Played eucha with two friends from opposite.

Tuesday 24th November 1964 - Coff's Harbour, NSW
Had a good day on the beach. Got horribly sore afterwards. Surf very good. Went to see a good film at Jack's cinema. "A Good Mix" and "The Last Voyage."

Wednesday 25th November 1964 - Coff's Harbour, NSW
Spent most of day on the beach and felt very sore. Called back at Norma's and saw lovely garden. Played eucha afterwards with the old couple opposite.

Thursday 26th November 1964 - Grafton, NSW
ANCM Reunion. Left at 8am to go to Grafton. Very hot. Saw Norah's old home, also where Jack was from and an old fence he was making when war broke out. Bought some pictures of the Jacaranda trees. Saw the play "Teahouse of the August Moon" in the evening

Friday 27th November 1964 - Grafton, NSW
Went out swimming as usual, but sat in the shade. Saw some aboriginal children. Had picnic. Arthur joined us. I took some snaps. Another swim after lunch. Went round once more and saw Jack and Marie. Went to the pictures in the evening. Saw "Solo for Sparrow" Edgar Wallace and Wheeler Dealers. Said good bye to Jack and Marie.

Saturday 28th November 1964 - Grafton, NSW
Were driven into Sawtell by Arthure. We had a swim, then went to R.S.L. Club house where we had a drink (Shandi) and a game on a one horse bandit. Home for lunch. Arthur went off with police man. We went down to beach with them first. Cloudy. Had a quick swim and back. Went round people's gardens. Caught 7.45pm from Coff's Harbour. Aunt Carrie and policeman saw us off.

Sunday 29th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Arrived 3.20am. Luckily a taxi man was there. Went to early service. Talked to Betty Morre, and Mrs what not and son. Norah had a long prize giving service for Sunday School children. Freya and Bevan's with children all in white. Slept all afternoon. Wrote to Mummy. Went to bed at 7.30pm and slept well till 7am.

Sunday, 29th Nov 1964 - Pack 5

From - Miss Pat. C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Rev.F.T.M. Palmer, St. Pauls Rectory, Cross St, Maitland, NSW
To Mrs Violet M. Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

My dear Mummy,
Many thanks for your two of 18th, 19th Nov received on returning here at 3.30.am this morning. We travelled by night to save time, and Norah had to play the organ for 8 o'clock service.

I note your various news with interest. Regards to the Holly's, hope Mrs Holly bears up, he'll be alright if he can drink milk. The husband of Joyce Owens (the ambulance man) had the same thing, and she was valiantly trying to keep him on a diet. I don't think the poisons are something to do with it, and someone here was saying about the bees being poisoned by the weed killers they have.

We had, of course, another wonderful week at Coff's Harbour. Its going to be very sad saying good bye to all these people who have been good to me. Norah's sister is married to a man who was attached most of his life to NRMA - (or Australian AA). This means getting to road accidents before the ambulance, and always being available on the telephone. It has left him a delicate man, but a very charming one all the same.

He still works in a garage and plays bowls in his spare time. (Like all these Aussies he works and plays hard - apparently Jimmy says the NZ do too. He seems to find this difficult to understand - I must send you on his letter which is good).

We also met Norah's one brother, a man who has had the same problems as Jimmy has and will have - consequently he is not rich - supporting so many women and their families. He runs a cinema!! He's not been to England, but to America.

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Photo - Jack Gerard at Coffs Harbour 1964

Norah Palmer's brother Jack at Coffs Harbour
--------------------------------------------

Of course we surfed all week - two or three times a day! Wonderful. I have returned looking a different woman - and feeling it. Very brown and peeling already. Norah is much better from her sinus trouble. I have not met such a woman for work. She has been playing for three services today, and has been gardening all afternoon.

We had only the seats to sleep on in the train - left Coff's Harbour at 7.45.pm. Reached here at 3.30.am. As you say, she is a darling. So is Prim, but she had (wanted to anyway) to leave school at 16. They could not afford to keep her on. She is learning typing, shorthand and so on to become a secretary. A nice child, as attractive as any of her 4 sisters. She cooked supper for Fred all the week after being out all day at College from 7.30.am - 6.pm.

On my return good letters from Shilly, Jim, Enid Cookson. I wonder when Jim writes despondent letters to Daddy is he looking for sympathy? I wonder will he even do anything much away in NZ on is own? His letter which he wrote me was good - he has passed his driving test again. I may go and see the Scotts again, possibly go to a concert in Sydney - and then on to see Janete (Santhe?) and Don in Wollongong.

Unfortunately, leave here 18th Dec. Love Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, N.S.W, Australia continues . . .

Monday 30th November 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Hot day. Norah worked all day without stopping. I walked to post office. Letter came from Mummy saying Danie had been run over. Washed and helped Norah do ironing. Went to bed early.

Letter - 30th Nov 1964 - Pack 5

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Rev.F.T.M. Palmer, St.Pauls Rectory, Cross St, Maitland, NSW
To - Mrs V.M.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

My dear Mummy,

I thought you might like to see enclosed good letter from Jimmy. He probably is doing as well - as working in Auckland, where you note he says he will go to work possibly later on after Christmas, but he would also have to pay more for board and lodging, and as he likes country life I would think he is better where he is.

I am writing this because, try as I could, I did not try hard enough to put all the things I intended into this morning's letter.

First of all, thank you for fixing the insurance thing for me, although I see it costs £1.10.9 (approx) more than it cost me in April (£5.5.0) That's a wonderful Christmas present and so useful. Christmas presents are only necessary for children, don't you agree? I'm afraid I have not sent any to Danny or Ros, but will hope to bring them back some in April, especially Danny - she gave me a nice leather passport case before I left England, which has been invaluable to me.

I got your letter about D. this morning. I am very sorry, and hope Pop has recovered. That's the worst of the beastly road an cars. The weather is very hot here too, the same as in New Zealand. Norah and I are peeling and brown as a result of our days on the beach at Coff's Harbour. 101° in Sydney last Thursday, hotter than Rabaul. I feel very much fitter!

I was hearing all about Norah's brother - an elderly man - now, who has had the same troubles as Jimmy. But got through them, and looks a fairly happy man considering.

I plan to go and make an effort to see the children in New Zealand just once, so that I can report to you about them. Norah advises me to be sure and take someone with me, and Enid is remarkably tough and very strong-minded when necessary, perhaps she would come.

So glad you got my sketches, I had great fun doing them. I left Rabaul with a huge pastel portrait of Lois on the walls, and one of the baby framed! I seemed to do a great deal of sitting around and painting there, Lois likes doing the work, what there was to do.

I gave Jimmy a lecture (probably wrong of me - but still) about the research job. He indicated in his last letter to me that everything (repeat everything) was against him in getting it. So I wrote and told him that nothing on earth could stop him taking a technical college postal course on something like that (forestry etc) to enable him to get a job, as only qualified people get the jobs.

I suppose I was silly to quote two of the husbands of Fred's daughters (of about Jimmy's age) who had taken extra degrees enabling them to get extra pay on jobs as they both have large families to support (four and five children).

Moreover, they have done it - Santhe's husband Don (five children under 8) has gained his B.A. He is headmaster of a school. Bevan, husband of Freya, is taking the last exam today, of economics - apparently horribly difficult. He is a school-master here in Maitland and has four children.

After this week he is starting to build the family a house! he and Dara's husband and Don are all going to work on building a house for Freya in the holidays, in January; which they have designed themselves. Nothing seems to daunt these people in the way of hard work! - especially if they see they are able to get more L.S.d. for it.

Joe is working hard in Channel 9 and studying electronics in his evenings to enable him to get a better job. However, Jimmy doesn't reply to all this, as you see in his letter to me, perhaps he doesn't take in the written word much, I believe some people don't.

However, perhaps if the doctor has told him to get cracking he might do so. I think he has more sense than some, he managed to get his airmail letter to me with a 6d stamp on it, while Enid Cookson, who I know works hand in glove with the Midhurst post office and never puts a 1d more on than necessary, has put 7d on hers. (I had two from her on arrival back from Coff's. Full of talk about the daughter about to be married - very funny really).

I see Jimmy says that farm life is very isolated nowadays. Nothing to what it was like in the old days - well, we saw one of the old farms up near Grafton where Norah lived in her youth - miles out from the town, and only having a horse and sulky to get into Grafton with. Off course, what Jimmy means I suppose is that one man does far more work on his own on a farm compared with what he would have done in the old days.

Anyhow, I don't read the papers much, but they did publish three whole pages of Prince Charles' essays. I wonder were they authentic? I don't suppose so, they were quite good - but not sensational, I thought. The M.P.'s here have had their pay put up too - some £1,500. Shocking, everyone thinks. As for Kenyatta, ugh! They told us, last week, about a lot more atrocities in Congo, but one wonders if they are true.

Dreadfully sorry about D. Heaven will be a noisy place with him in it. Hope the new little dog gets on and doesn't get killed by Twinkle.

Fred (Palmer) may put a line in.

I read him your nice bits about Norah - I agree with all you say about them. Fred always is saying he is thinking of you, and that's nice, isn't it? Perhaps you'll be out here again, you never know - the winter would be a good time. Fred goes to bed at 7.30.pm and gets up at 6.am. He is very fit for his age, I would say - survives on plain food and is so terribly interesting to talk to. Talk about anything and everything, especially the history of Australia which is good.

He told me a funny story today, that he once heard tell. A host was pouring out a drink of home-made wine (in Australia years ago) for his guest, saying you must try some of my best Rheins (or some European make) wine -

"Now, would you like a second glass?" he said, after the guest has tried the first glass."No thank you," he said "I might start talking about my rich relations."

Now, I'll have to stop and answer about a 1001 other letters requiring replies. Mrs Connnerton wants me to come and stay another night with her, and I have at least two bread and butter letters to write. All takes the devil of a time. I found six Kohl Rabbi in a shop today, and am going to introduce Norah to them at supper tonight (6.pm, our hot meal of the day). No more now, much love, from Pat.

Diary of Miss P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, N.S.W, Australia continues . . .

Tuesday 1st December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Again very hot. Fred took me in car to post letters and get petrol. Rev of West Maitland called in to show Norah what had to be done in the church. Freya came to lunch. I minded the children while Norah and she went to town. Glen called in for swimsuit. Tried to ring the Scotts - no answer. Did a lot of christmas cards.

Wednesday 2 December 1964
Dundee Courier
C.E.Heath - Interim 15 p.co. less tax (same). plus capital distribution of 6d per share tax free ((nil) out of profit on realisation of investments. Directors say payment of interim 15 p.c. should not be regarded as guarantee that final dividend payable in June next will be similarly maintained, although they hope this will be possible (final last year 30 p.c.)

Wednesday 2 December 1964
Liverpool Daily Post ((Welsh Edition)

C.E.Heath and Co. - Interim div. of 15 p.c. less tax (same). Plus cap. distribution of 6d per share tax free (nil) out of prof. on realisation of investments. Directors state that payment of Int. of 15 p.c. should not be regarded as a guarantee that final div. payable in June 1965 will be similarly maintained, although it is directors hope that this will be possible. (Final last year was 50 p.c.).

Directors state that at this time of year several important factors in co.s business are incapable of close estimation. As far as can be seen at present, brokerage and Investment incomes of co. are well up to level of 1963 and could possible constitute highest yet achieved. Contribution of underwriting agency side of business in accounts for 1964 will be lowest for many years. Too early to ascertain exact figures in this department

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Maitland, NSW, Australia continues . . .

Wednesday 2nd December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Cooler day. Primrose went to work. Norah and I caught 12mid train to Newcastle and Waratah and saw Mrs Cunningham. Tale of woe - her daughter Esse's husband having been removed to Morisset. Esse having to sign over and pay etc; rather miserable. She has a nice little daughter.

Thursday 3rd December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Finer day. Cleaned up the house preparatory to Betty Moore coming. She did not come so we went to do shopping. She turned up eventually at 1pm, never apologised! Norah and Fred went off to see Freya and Norah to baby-sit while Freya and Bevan go to a party. Primrose had the day off. We had supper. I did a picture of Primrose. Joe came home.

Friday 4th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Good day. Norah washed clothes in the morning. Hot day. After afternoon tea went over to Freya's to cut Joe's hair. Joe not feeling very well. Primrose went to a dance. We went to get the tune of "Guide me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah" from Methodist minister at church. Joe showed us the slides. Very good letter from Jimmy.

Saturday 5th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Norah practicing the Sunday School, so Joe and I went down the town. Got some chops for (ears?) Played the organ after lunch, after listening to Norah. Very hot indeed. Went to supper with Mrs Redman, saw her slides of European trip, very hot. Got back late.
Memorandum - Mrs Marsh. Boys, Shilly. Henry Handel Richardson - music. "The Life of Richard Manney."

Sunday 6th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Hazelbury Bryan - Canon Redman - Bishop. Good day - cloudy. Norah had practice of Carols. Joe did some recordings. We went for a picnic after lunch, bitten by mosquitos. Cold, came home. Good service with the masons in church. Told Joe awful stories.

Monday 7th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Went shopping in the morning. Money not through. Norah had washed. Freya came over. Ironed after lunch. Singer came to practice song. Joe played gramophone and recorded. I showed my films to Fred. Went to Freya's for TV. Letter from Ros - answered her.

Monday, 7th Dec 1964

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, co Rev.F.T.M. Palmer, St.Pauls Rectory, Cross St, Maitland, NSW To - Mrs V.M.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England.

Leave here 14th.

Dear Mummy,

Just a short line, my last week in Maitland, most of which is going to be spent madly going round saying last goodbyes to other people. Also going to Wollongong (150 south of Sydney) to stay with Fred's eldest daughter and family for about 2 nights. We hope to have Sister Porter to a big tea party to say goodbye for me on Saturday night. Freya, Primrose and Rossy and I are going to sing carols to entertain the guests (this is what they do here, when one has parties, plenty of entertainment.) Yesterday we had a practice as Joe is here, and he recorded us with his tape machine and we heard what we sounded like.

Joe is very musical, but tired after his Channel 9 work and studies in spare time, let alone poor lodgings in Sydney.

An excellent letter from Jimmy. Some of which I quote.

"I think it would be a good idea to start from Te Puke. I don't intend to do lots of walking per day and shan't object to carrying most of the gear. etc etc etc. Today I went to the forest look-out which is 3 miles from the sea - on horseback. The farmer I helped said he had a young horse which needed exercising. The horse - a 3 year old, had never been on the road before. etc etc. She came back over 12 miles at a trot most of the way, and I think she is less scared of things than she was.

Next time I go out I shall go over the forest and a ford over a river which will shorten the distance and enable me to let her go a bit more today. As you know (if I told you - which he hadn't) I go up to the look-out once a fortnight to take papers to the look-out who is an x-navy man. He won't have a wireless because he does not like the noise, but he does like books, provided they are biographies or true to life books and NOT novels.

Apart from doing that, I may get myself roped in for haymaking on farms near the forest. I have been considering herd-testing which would give me a job which could possibly help me get back onto my own farm or at least it might lead me somehow. It might, in other ways, give me more openings as I'd meet quite a lot of people and really knowing people well is a great asset sometimes worth unlimited cash. I am going to take a correspondence course in memory training and concentration and having done that successfully, I think it would be a good idea to take V.E. (what's this?) or some course that might give me some openings. Programming for computers is an up and coming thing, or electronics. Anyway, I'm now thinking more of the future and less of the past. Hope you are well and enjoying the heat more!"

(this has now passed - and its cooler today).

Had a picnic yesterday, unfortunately, a lot of mosquitoes did too!!! How is Ben? We had a service for masons in church last night. About 30 men, mostly Methodists, who sang well.

Love from Pat.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Maitland, NSW, Australia continues . . .

Tuesday 8th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Tidied up in the morning. Nothing much doing. Joe gardened. Went to town. Money not in yet. Had a milk shake. After lunch, had a good motor trip to Singleton. Lovely church there, and beautiful west window. Freya and children came over. Children played up. Joe caught early train. I had sore throat.

Tuesday, 8th Dec 1964

From - Mrs D.A. Rogers, 48 Fenton St, Stratford, NZ
To - Mr & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Mrs Heath-Caldwell,

At this time of year we think more about our friends, and I want to write to you for the Christmas season and send you best wishes for greater happiness in the future.

I haven't heard anything of Jimmie for a long time, but now and again I meet Dora in town, and sometimes she kindly brings me home in the car. One afternoon I had her and the children in for afternoon tea. They were very well behaved and good mannered. Jeremy and Hilary are doing quite well at school, and are interested in good reading, and so on. Young Michael has to have glasses - Dora has been very good about taking him to the specialist - the same one I have been attending and Michael is good about wearing his glasses. He has the same eye trouble Dora has - not serious - and correctable by spectacles. I am glad Dora is taking a real interest in her family.

My son, Nicholas, and his wife have returned from England. He is working as a hydrological engineer in North Auckland. I am expecting Bill, Nick and Margaret for Christmas and New Year holiday.

I am keeping quite well again - and my eyesight is much improved. Last week was rose week in Stratford, but heavy winds rather spoilt things. On Saturday we had a big rose show, with blooms from as far away as Auckland, Wellington and even Nelson in the South Island. Air freight is wonderful!

On Sunday I had a great pleasure, some friends - the Masters at Wharehuia (young Robert, son of the Hon. Robert M.L.C.) invited a few of us to view their roses. They have a wonderful place, right out in the country - and it was a joy to visit.

I do hope for happier times in 1965 - for all of us.

Kind regards from Doris Rogers

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Maitland, NSW, Australia continues . . .

Wednesday 9th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Felt very tired indeed. Rested for bits of the day. Fearfully hot in the morning. Thunderstorm in the afternoon. Norah played for funeral, then went down to play for a guild meeting. Fred drove us in the car. Money in. Bed early.

Thursday 10th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Up and caught 5.40am with Norah who saw me off. After much changing, reached Janet's(?) at 4pm. Don was there too, he had arrived too. Saw TV. Felt very tired. Went to bed at 8.30pm.

Friday 11th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Slept till 7am. Very quiet household. Went to Dara's and had one swim. Back and caught 10.45am Silver Streak to Sydney. Reached Maitland at 9pm. Ros. and Bruce arrived at midnight. Came by car. Norah stayed up. I went to bed.

Letter - 11th December 1964

From - Capt. the Rev. C.H.Heath-Caldwell D.S.O. The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England
To - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mr Jack Cookson, Salisbury Road, Stratford, R.D.4, New Zealand

Dear Pat,

Am sending this c/o Cooksons, altho you haven't told us where you are staying in NZ - you certainly ought to visit Clair and Colin (Trowbridge), they and Martin did more than anyone else to help Jimmy. Expect you left Maitland before my last letter arrived to the effect that McCarthy answered my letter about the settlement £15 a week from farm - generous in my opinion. In addition to this Jimmy is fool enough to pay her extra although McCarthy advised him not to.

Can it be that he is still under the influence of that woman - I suppose 7 years of her would take some time to wear off.

It makes me absolutely livid and he's given me two sleepless nights. - Bad enough that all the effort of the countless sums of money (well over £5,000 ) should result in D. living on the fat of the land (and no doubt laughing at the success of her efforts). (in fact over £12,000 all told). On top of that to hear that he is paying her extra. Has the boy no sense? I have written him a strong protest but if he's determined to act the complete B.F. doubt if it will have any effect.

He won't get any more out of me. Can't afford it anyhow. I certainly hope you will keep clear of D. What is the point of going to see the children, you can't do anything for them - might well set off more conflict in their little minds.

No, we must just hope that events will so work out that eventually..

Love Pa.

You should get this alright after my letter of the P.O. - Can't think why you didn't write to them yourself.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Maitland, NSW, Australia continues . . .

Saturday 12th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Party in afternoon with Sister Porter, Mrs Redman, Miss Lambert, Mrs Capper. Freya rang. Showed slides. Very good fun. Bruce quite a character.

Sunday 13th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Early service. Missed lunch and slept all afternoon. Went to Nativity Play, good success. Still feel frightfully depressed. Bruce returned to Mount Onsley.

Monday 14th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Nance C arrives. Fremantle. Rang up doctor. Fred took me to have ear syringed. Nice woman. After lunch we went shopping. Did most of mine. We walked back. Letter from Enid. Quiet evening. Packed parcels.

Tuesday 15th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Quiet day mostly packing. Ros and Norah went out shopping in the afternoon, I stayed and had tea with Fred - burned the chicken!! Earlyish bed. Still felt very tired and exhausted - with sore throat.

Wednesday 16th December 1964 - Maitland, NSW
Boy Scott's performance. Left Maitland at 12mid to catch the 1pm flyer from Newcastle. Very hot. Bruce performance was very good - He is a good actor. However, I still had a cold and a cough - and did not feel good. Alec did not come.

Thursday 17th December 1964 - near Sydney, NSW
NZ. Met Miss Mac on the station at 10.30am. She gave me a present. Back to Scotts. Went to a terrific party in the afternoon at the friend's. Mrs Bertha Kernsy's. Took a ticket on the lottery. Caught the plane on my own which went at 1.45am. Very good journey over.

New Zealand

Friday 18th December 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
12.45am flight. Arrived 6am Wellington. After finding the office for tickets I managed to get a seat on train, but had fun as it was a tight squeeze!! Reached Stratford and took taxi, where I found them all. Tired - went to bed.

Thursday (?) evening, 18th Dec 1964

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mrs Harry Scott, "Gleneagles," 99 Wallis Street, Strathfield, Sydney
To Capt. the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

Dear Mummy and Daddy,

Many thanks for your 2 of yesterday, 8th. Pop and yours Ma, 8th too, received just about half an hour before I left the Rectory to come here. Very sad leaving, but they are such a terrific crowd there - (22 of them altogether counting sons-in-law). How Fred puts up with all the noise beats me. I think he is a wonder. Always encouraging one to make more noise on the piano or singing or something. he was pleased to get your letter.

I note your remarks Pop, as to what McCarthy says etc: If I can put in any propaganda about J. saving more of his £.s.p. for future requirements - such as educating his children - his own personal requirements etc, let alone the huge amount required for divorce and sickness - I will.

How he can let his heart govern his head (short sighted-ness) especially when he has his children's future at stake beats me. I have heard that he is now probably herd testing - and so I imagine our holiday plans will all be changed - and I should hardly imagine he will now get 10 days if he has just started work. Will let you know future developments.

Congratulations to Jane on getting such a good job. Personally, she can "have" Manchester, but no doubt she needs more money.

Last night went to a show - the Scotts grandson doing ballet. Rather good really, being startlingly good looking, and a good actor, all was quite amusing. The children (as most of them were 17 and under) were very attractive too.

My last day in Aussie consisted of going to a pre-Christmas afternoon party - most amusing - given by a Catholic lady! with a clever husband, very good at metalwork - a real craftsman. Terrific cream cakes - and someone to sing a carol, all very happy!!

In a couple of hours I taxi to the airport and fly at midnight. Arrive Wellington 6.30.am. Arrive Stratford 4.pm. (train). Enid and Jack meeting me.

Happy Christmas - Tons of love, Pat.

Letter -18th Dec 1964 - Pack 5

From - Mrs V.M.Heath-Caldwell, Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England
To - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Cooksons, Salisbury Road, Stratford, R.D., New Zealand

My Darling Pat,

A Merry Xmas, I can't remember if I sent you a card, and I don't think I have, so you'll have to forgive me my dear, you are never very far from my thoughts and always to my prayers and I'm sure you are going to enjoy yourself.

I think we've had another card as family from you, many thanks anyway, and all you have sent. And remember that television set you gave us was a very large present of some years ago.

I haven't sent you a cheque yet. I thought I would wait till I know definitely where you are stationed! for a time anyway.

Shilly is coming to us for Xmas. (Giving be?), we'll have something to listen to anyway. I'm afraid it will be very dull for her, as she's so accustomed to seeing friends and seeing people, playing bridge, and all that sort of thing.

I find we get quite with a routine of things and its very easy if you do all the same things day after day and if you leave everything in its place, then its easy.

The television man has just come and says it must be the aerial that gets full of water, you'd think that they would have thought of that before and could have prevented it. They said it wasn't such a good idea (fixing?) it, because of course, they get the set sold and the money in the bank! But others say that you pay your 1-/- a week £2 a monthly £24 a year, so in three years you've paid the full thing! and you have it repaired free of cost!! So I really think it ought to be better!!

Anyway, the young man has come out and it must be the arial! and more people have to come out tomorrow with a new ariel! Good good. But I'm missing my 'Compact'(?) tonight. They are now seeking out smugglers and there has already been a murder! However, it nothing compared to what Sitwells book on Queen Elizabeth which is full of ghastly murders and makes Mary Queen of Scotts a very bad woman!!

All my love, darling ad a happy new year darling from your loving Mum.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Taranaki, New Zealand . . .

Saturday 19th December 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Slept till late as very (deaf?) still. Slept in the afternoon too.

Letter - 19th Dec 1964 - Pack 5

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Mrs J. Cookson, Salisbury Road, R.D.4 , Stratford, NZ
To - Capt. the Rev. and Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

First morning in New Zealand

Dear Mummy and Daddy,

Here I am back again and thank you for your letters (2) from Pop and one from Ma. The posts are all mixed up, so probably some are bound to go astray. Ma, you mention a calendar of Peggy's. So far it has not come. But be advised by me, and don't give the NZ post office more brainwork than its capable of doing!

I wrote in October to the postmaster at Stratford - directly the 2nd lot were sent to Jim by Dora (by mistake on purpose what!). So don't worry - they must be exceedingly stupid.

Meanwhile as many as possible of my friends I have advised not to write to me till I get back to England - even Norah. However, great news. Had been pondering both your letters advising me not to see D. Well, I didn't want to either BUT I did want to see the offspring.

One hour ago I was sitting here in Enid's kitchen planning a telegram to send to J. advising him of my return and when to meet - when Enid, who had been cutting the hedge came in. "You're in luck, Pat, the children are here." They were playing with two curly headed children from down the road. So I went to the bottom of the drive and there they were. Certainly young Hilary has good looks - but I thought they all looked very well - little Michael wearing glasses. They did not say much - they all have long noses!!

So that's alright, I now know what they look like, and will not think any more of seeing them. I certainly don't want to see her etc etc. But will be able to tell Jimmy they are alright now.

Re Jim. I have a feeling McCarthy is telling you stale news of what J. has been doing. But will use my det: powers to find out. Jimmy certainly has been writing to Jack re a reference and is talking of coming back to farm. So everything is very good there.

Don't waste your time having sleepless nights pop. Take ovaltine last thing at night, or an extra dose of whisky - or consult Hereward. The little dog sounds fine. Tell Jimmy you aren't going to pay any more of his bills or anything else if he does these stupid things - and STICK TO IT. I think McCarthy has stale news in his letter, myself.

Happy New Year. Love from Pat.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, Taranaki, New Zealand . . .

Sunday 20th December 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Quiet day. No church!! Slept a good deal more. Funeral tomorrow, a mother of five has died with cancer.

Monday 21st December 1964 - Stratford, Taranaki
Went in fairly early to negotiate ticket for tomorrow. On to New Plymouth. I did shopping while they went to funeral. Went to ticket office to fix things up. Back latish. Sad funeral.

Tuesday 22nd December 1964 - Rotorua
Caught 9.30am bus to New Plymouth and then on to Hamilton. Only got to Rotorua as the buses did not come earlier. Found a nice little lodging house, due to kindness of a Maori taxi man. Slept well, cause still deaf.

Wednesday 23rd December 1964 - Whakatane
Left Rotorua early and reach Whakatane at 11am. Went to Commercial Hotel. Met Jimmy afterwards and started shopping for camp. Went to the Bay of Plenty and East Coast Herd Improvement Associated Incorporation (P.O. Box 342) opposite the hotel where we met Bert Graham. Went to the party after supper and stayed till 1am. Beer and dancing and singing - general fun.

Letter - Wednesday, 23rd Dec 1964 - Pack 5

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, Commercial Hotel, Whakatane, NZTo - Captain the Rev. and Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorchester, England

My dear Ma and Pa,
Well here we are about to set off on our walk! (Apparently we go the first 13 miles by bus! ha! ha!)

After a peaceful weekend at Jack and Enid's after an excellent too quick flight over, I did a bus trip yesterday from Stratford to Rotorua. No buses further, so found a little guest house where I slept like a log. Caught 9.45.am bus up here today - its about 2 hours by road north of Rotorua, approx. 70 miles. Quite hot here.

Rested a bit and was just going out to post a letter to Jack and Enid - when I saw a stranger in the distance which turned out to be Jimmy!! Apparently his herd testing HQ is opposite this hotel. Anyhow, we went over and we are actually going to go to a party there tonight after supper - sort of Christmas one. Then sleep here, do a bit more shopping tomorrow and depart.

12 hours later.

Well, whew! We had a terrific herd testing party last night in the office opposite. About thirty chaps and their wives and etc. I met them all, many (very many) Scotch or English over here about 6-7 years - so really I felt as if back at home. Of course they all welcomed me as English. Jim's chief boss a very nice man and wife asked me to join them. Mr Bert Graham by name. (I should say he's English - but wouldn't be sure) Also J's district boss, a youngish Scotch man from Dumfries or Dundee. They think an awful lot of Jimmy, especially Graham, the eldest and most senior man - so have no fears about Jim. And Jack has given Jim a reference, not that its necessary now at all.

Jim has only been here about a week, but he's made this impression already. The boss particularly knows obviously J.'s history, and asked him and I over to get J. to relax and have a bit of fun. We both had it alright! So he'll have no troubles here, will he.

We intend to get a bit of food today and some mosquito repellant. Mr Graham has offered to lend us another tent - very light. So we won't have much to carry. Jack's pack, lilo and sleeping bag, I think I should manage.

Not a word about J.'s other problems (D.). So I can't say anything till he says - but be sure I shall say something if I get the chance - especially about £.s.d. Rub in well about saving £.s.d. for the future, and if D. can employ someone to cut her grass for her as someone says - surely she has got enough people to support her.

Anyhow that subject we must forget, especially you, Pop. No more sleepless nights I hope. We are pretty happy.

Happy New Year. Pat.

Letter - 23rd Dec 1964

From - J.A.Heath-Caldwell, Bay of Plenty & East Coast Herd Improvement Ass. Whakatane, NZ
To - Capt. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England.

Dear Ma and Pa,

I haven't written to you for a time - above is my address for the moment. I've now been herd testing for a week and have been all over the place here - around Whakatane. Up inland a small way to a place called Taneatua and then up to a farm in the hills behind Matakino where a huge dam is being constructed, and then last night I was at a farm at Awakeri - just along the coast from here.

The job entails quite a lot of travelling but I feel that is just what I want to do at the moment. Life is not quite as placid or routine as at Rotoehu Forest but I eat well.

Television is now installed in 9 out of ten farms and as its so new to them they all spend hours sitting in front of it so as not to miss anything and then, of course, there is not a great deal of social intercourse - but still I suppose they'll get over it. Tele seems to be being installed everywhere here now and I suppose in 2 years or so the market for it will be glutted and the prices will come down.

Pat is supposed to be arriving here today from the Cooksons. She has only bought herself a sleeping bag for the trip so I'll just have to get here to get a few more things tomorrow. I suppose it really wasn't too good an idea to camp but I couldn't think of anything else to do. Really, you know, I might have accepted either Colin's invitation to spend Christmas there or perhaps Jack's but I felt with me and Pat we would be too many. I still don't quite know what Pat's future plans are. She doesn't seem to know herself. She does though.

(cont. 2nd Jan)We had an excellent Xmas holiday camping. Pat was well equipped by Jack and we went up the coast by bus and then moved as people gave us lifts. We ended up by camping on a spit of sand dune at Schoolhouse Bay, Te Kaha where there was good swimming and also lots of fishing. It would be a good place to go to another year. We didn't come across many other walkers - cars seem to do all that these days and in fact we found that some of the locals were lamentably ignorant about walks in their own neighbourhoods.

Anyway, the weather was fine throughout our whole trip bar a small shower or so - in fact we both suffered a little from sun burns more than anything else. I slept well on the ground in a sleeping bag and Pat slept on a lilo bed in another tent and she also slept well. Occasionally we were given fresh snapper by fishermen which we cooked on our small petrol stove which served its purpose admirably. While I admit its quite possible to camp in bigger style, some people take everything bar the kitchen sink. We did very well.

Happy New Year. love Jimmy.

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, New Zealand continues . . .

Thursday 24th December 1964 - Whakatane.
Left in the morning by bus for Opotiki. (37 miles from Whakatane). Camped in Motor camp quite near pavement. However quite pleasant here. Tree lit up. Cut cake and took photographs at sunset. Had a hot water bottle!! Did not hear much from people in town.

Friday 25th December 1964 - Opotiki.
Went to the early service at the Church of St Stephen the Martyr at 8am. Very crowded, but a nice light coloured church. Lovely flowers. Poor organist. Back, had porridge!! Walked on the road, and were picked up by Miss Morrison and friend, walked on to Tirohanga, where we slept on the beach all the morning. I swam. Walked up to see Maori burial ground at Tirohanga. Did not go into it. Settled for the night. Handsome man came round to collect 8/- from us.

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Photo J.A. Heath-Caldwell on camping holiday, Bay of Plenty, NZ Dec 1964
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Saturday 26th December 1964 - Tirohanga.
Left after breakfast and walked about 4 miles to Ohope(?) where a little river runs out. A lot of Maoris were swimming there. We changed, but beach dirty. So eat and went on. Were picked up again by Miss Morrison and taken to Te Kaha (44) miles. Hotel. Walked on for 2 miles till we came to School House Bay. Parked here next to Mrs Mary Hoskin.

Sunday 27th December 1964 - School House Bay
Stayed at School House Bay. Te Kaha till Saturday 2nd.

Letter - Sunday, 27th Dec 1964

From - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, School House Bay Camp, Te Kaha, NZ
To - Captain the Rev. & Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset.

My dear Ma and Pa,

I feel sure you will be wondering how the "great trek" is going. Rest assured we are still alive and having a great time. We are now 81 miles from our starting point - Whakatane - needless to say we haven't walked all that way ourselves! No, thank goodness there are some kind-hearted motorists who believe in giving lifts. One kind hearted attractive young woman gave us a lift as we were leaving Opotiki on Christmas Day. She took us about three miles to be here. Then yesterday she was passing with her car nearly full - mum, dad and country cousin from England - and this time she took us 50 miles on through terrific, beautiful scenery by the sea and yet very mountainous.

Turned out her father was from County Antrim in back of car with NZ mother. The girl herself had done 2½ years working in England - doing hitch-hiking tour round Eurpoe. So she had a fellow feeling for us. She finally landed us up here at Te Kaha yesterday. We spent Christmas Eve at Opotiki - and I got to church at 8.am on Christmas morning in an attractive looking, pure white little thin looking church outside. Nice wood inside and beautiful flower decorations. A weak organist (well, I am used to Norah Palmer's excellent playing) but full church.

A very exciting history - built 100 years ago this year by Rev. Carl Vochler of C.M.S. (completed). He took his wife to Whakatane or somewhere, came back himself- and the Maoris hung him (this in 1865) and did all sorts of awful things in the church afterwards. One of the many unsung heroes of the church. The church is called the Church of St.Stephen the Martyr. Then they fortified the church and it became a place of refuge.

Anyhow, now it certainly is lovely - also, of course, we heard in the news all about the service to celebrate Samuel Marsden sermon to the natives. Cousin Fred had told me a lot about him - he had dealt with the convicts (and their wives) in Australia as well as New Zealand, and was a real strong man of the church. I also read lots about him in Aussie - more of Fred's history books.

We found a nice little pool and had my first swim in New Zealand. Lovely surf at Ground here, belonged to a very handsome ex-service man, who remarked that we were doing it the hard way. He said he had hitch-hiked all round Palestine in the war. He had an equally handsome collie dog. Very new (hardly completed) wash-house here - very super.

Next day we set off and found another cove. Ohope. Had a swim and some food - but some rather bad smells round a cliff. So went on. Then, as we were going up the hill - thank goodness the Morrison girl came round the corner. We have had 2 nights here, lots of Maoris - but good bathing. Drawback, no wash-house or shop. However, very pleasant.

To be continued. Love Pat.

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Photo - J.A.Heath-Caldwell, School House Bay, Dec 1964

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Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, New Zealand continues . . .

Monday 28th December 1964 - School House Bay
Walked to Te Kaha by the sea route. Rocky. Back by road.

Letter - Monday, 28th Dec 1964

From - Mrs V.M.Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England
To - Miss P.C.M.Heath-Caldwell, c/o Cookson, Salisbury Rd, Stratford, NZ

My darling Pat and Jimmy,

A thousand thanks for the lovely flowers, lovely "Hyacinths," can't spell it, and a dear little fan, and Shilly gave me one of those bright shrubs what count your (to this?) evil. So I'm all stocked up, and with my own geranium cuttings, and Shilly being here, we've had a very good Xmas indeed, and we have a little parcel for you. Don't know who it is from.

Anyway, we now have the snow with us! And it has all come in since yesterday and it seems to be so hard it doesn't melt much in the sun. And as for Bridport, it has come to a halt. And cars been abandoned! And so Shilly, instead of going back tomorrow, will still be here I expect, which is very good for us! And so we have the new television set going strong! And Shilly has a transistor!! Which she gets the news on, the new telly!! is very good and clear and we have plenty of books to read of every sort!

We heard from Danny and Ros by phone yesterday, on Saturday, and they had a great time together on Saturday, what with goose! and my plum pudding they did very well, and Ros and party got back before the snow had really started. They, Ros and party, go on Sat to Switzerland. They have enough snow here, I should think, to take Scotland with them.

We, Shilly and I, went to the carol service on Xmas day, which leaves me very cold! And Daddy went to the 8.00. o'clock on Sunday. We didn't go at all as it was raining cats and dogs.

All our united love and good wishes. From your mum and all

(Pats notes on back of letter - Letters - Daddy's letter to Jim. His address, Calendars, parcels. Corinna's wedding. Mrs Harris. Colin's clothes.)

Diary of P.C.M. Heath-Caldwell, New Zealand continues . . .

Tuesday 29th December 1964 - School House Bay
Walked to shop at Maungaroa. Had ice cream, milk shake. Fish for supper from Mr Hoskin. Maori concert in tent opposite. Sung to sleep with guitars and singing.

Wednesday 30th December 1964 - School House Bay
Walked to Maungaroa to shop. Chops for supper.

Thursday 31st December 1964 - School House Bay
Walked up to0 Maungaroa for eggs. Had fish for supper. Invited to join the Hoskins to see the New Year in. Went at 11pm. Stayed till 1am. They went on all night. Jolly good.