Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch - 1979Receipt.The University of Auckland - O'Rorke Hall 1979 Receipt of your notice of acceptance of the offer of residence at O'Rorke Hall is acknowledged. You are reminded that the first term of residence for 1979 begins on Saturday 24th February. Fees for the first term cover residence from and including this date or any subsequent date, and must be paid to the Cashier at the Registry either in full or as half-term payment, immediately on taking up residence. Students wishing to take up residence before 24th February may do so, but in respect of this earlier period must pay board as set out below, weekly in advance, to the Manageress.Would you please complete the form below and return it as soon as your plans are definite to the Mangeress, O'Rorke Hall, 49 Symonds St, Auckland.Boarding Charges during Vacation and Enrolling period.If paid in AdvancePer week single. - $36.00$34.00Per week room shared by two.$34.00$32.00Per day$5.50$5.00-------------------------------------------------------------------------------2112 May 1979Joanne B, 294 Main Road North, Upper Hutt, NZDear Michael,Well here we all are then and I hope you're not preparing yourself for a great literary epistle, because this is not going to be one of English Lit's masterpieces.Contrary to your pessimistic predictions in your first letter we did in fact make it home in one piece without any gross mishap except a detailed tour of a traffic island in Cambridge until Niki finally decided 'that' was the right way and we were half way to Te Awamutu before we decided 'this' had in fact not been the right way at all.The only other point of interest was when Niki drove but I was in a state of shock for the duration of that trauma so don't remember too much about it except Niki saying 'It's hard to judge what speed you're doing on a straight road without a speedo,' and Ant said, 'Well you're doing about 90(mph) at the moment.' Actually I went the whole way with my feet curled up under me in the back along with a turntable, 4 coats, 1 bag of books, 1 cassette recorder, 1 cardigan, a sleeping bag, food (didn't last long) and unfortunately the two speakers of Ant's car stereo on either side of my poor head. I think Niki was the D.J. in the front 'cos there was a helluva lot of Fleetwood Mac and similar thumps and pounding sensations coming from the speakers. Consequently I hardly spoke to them most of the way and if they spoke to me my ear-drums were so shot I didn't hear. No comprehende etc. This bloody pen appears to be going on a go slow or no go more to the point. I hope life is enjoyable at Rork. How it possibly could be with Neil is beyond me. I got a letter from him last week! God you can't away can you ? It was just what he generally says but it was written down so you could turn it off after the 1st line of the 5 pages! Are you doing any work? Ha-ha, Stupid question.Niki has just gone booze buying with Ant, and Mum and I are attempting some baking. We've just had a flop and Mum was blaming me wot I'd beat the eggs wrong but it was akshally er wot put the wrong flower in.Dear Michael Hi! Gidday! It is the notorious Niki who has just starred for the last page and a half writing here. A few corrections must be made to the libelist comments made within the forementioned manuscript.1) Niki only suggested that Te Awamutu was the way, as the only alternative was Tauranga - and we only got 100 yards down the road.2) I did't go 90mph all the way, and anyway, it is hard to judge on a straight road with no speedo.3) The music I played was fantastic, and Ant and had trouble controlling Jo, in her attempts to leap up at the dashboard and dance.All the other comments Jo has made are relatively factual and I will let them go for now - however I'm sure the baking is going to be delicious and not a flop at all, though I haven't tasted any evidence of it yet. Jo and I (to round off the food news) made some huddebuckle this afternoon, it was ultra delicious, though a little on the buttery side, however, we managed to wring it through lots of grease proof paper in an attempt to drain some off.Its the big night tonight - Mine and Ant's Birthday Party. Its all very exciting - we got $46 of booze which did break the bank, and I think Ant and Sandra (who is down) are setting up the room at the moment - great thrills. Jo got a hairdryer from Aussie - and has done my hair real posh. I feel almost like a lady!! She looks like a Red Indian at the moment with plaits all over the place. Excuse-moi - je suis avon a la cuisine pour aide la mama de la Jo.Au revoir, Love Niki. Back to Dinkum Kiwi and enough of the frog crap. They eat snails so what do you expect their lingo to be like? I have the said hair-dryer in one hand and hence the scrawl. I thought I would return to brighten you life again with some more of my brillian philosophical revelations about life. Jo gave me a cassette - it is really neatios!! It is "The Stranger" by Billy Joel, we are listening to it now, it is neatios!!! I'm going to get a stereo when I get back to Auckland. Niki xxxNiki is now wielding the hair machine whilst I compose a few lines to change your life. Apologies for her mistakes but I haven't time to correct them (Ouch!) Only a couple of hairs to go and Ma is frantically cooking tea and baking while we play ladies, we try hard you must admit. Say gidday to everyone for us, except Neil and that scummy dehydrated sausage dog!I hopeno moles have burrowed up the volleyball court. Is there anyone in our room? I hope so 'cos they might nick our Robert Palmer poster with a bit of luck! Mind you neither of us left our keys. I did in theory 'cos I've lost it up there somewhere.Dad and I are going to Taupo at 4am on Monday and we're going via Napier to get rid of the brat (I object to being called names). Dads going hunting out the wops and I'm staying in town with friends (yes I have a few)Mummy and Daddy Royal have aked Mummy and Daddy Black down to their place tonight for a drink but we all think it would be better if the geriatric Royals would come up to my place and then my parents wouldn't see that I have smuggled our tape-deck out! FU-K! My hair is still not dry. I'm getting it pruned next Friday, gasp! I'm also s'posed to be getting my teeth done over by a tooth man on Wednesday but unfortunately I'll be in Taupo - what a pity, how heart-breaking etc.(black pen)Delicious smalls are wafting up herer from the kitchen, I think Jo's Mum is cooking a delicious tea - something Mum's are better at than anybody else. We are very sad (sketch of tear drops) that you are not coming to our party - I will ensure that we have 2 minutes silence, to commemorate your lack of presence. We will think of you while you are either a) at work b) write a letter to us c) watch TV d) watch Neil. Jo's just told me dinners almost ready. (sketch of eyes popping out of sockets - text under to explain sketch) Creator - Niki - Secretary - Niki - Dictator - Jo. Goodbye - hello to Steven, give me your address.Jo has got a picture of a skeleton on her wall - boy - its really sexy - its got no clothes on - a bit dirty really. She has also got a picture of a bus in the mddle ofr the Pyramids - a bit silly especially as it looks like a Wellington City Council bus. She has got 3 hats, and a neat picture of a lion. (hand sketch of rainy day) - picture of Wellington weather since we arrived.Adjectives - Foul, yucky, replusive, typical, horrible, foul (2) Verbs - Raining, winding, freezing.Nounds - Rain, wind, cloud, black, cold.(green pen) Jo is talking to a 'friend' of hers on the phone! Bye! 14/5/79Dear Mike,I must finish this tonight 'cos its been dragon on for a weekend. The party was ultra decent and its a pity you weren't there. That phone call will cost a ton - and guess who's paying?!! (Niki's handwriting - You'll be bankrupt!)I'm in Taupo at the moment and going home again on Thursday. Back at O'Rorke the Friday after this. Love Joanne Dear Michael.Meet me outside the Central Police Station tonight at 12.00pm. I have some important information to give to you regarding your assocaite, MLS. She is a Communist spy working for the Russians. I have news that she means to do something anit-social at your American Political Studies exam tomorrow. In order to preserve democracy, freedom and American ice cream it is essential that you stop her before she destroys the spirit of democracy at its earliest stage - the youth of New Zealand.Signed (illegible - suspect MLS)JAHC - 18th November 1979- Deanwell Ave, HamiltonDear Michael,By now you will have finished your year at Auckland. I'm not sure whether you intend to go back there next year or not. Also, it was your birthday on Saturday and I'll wish you many happy returns of that day.The news of the letter is mainly sad. Your grandfather - my father - died in his sleep on the eve of his 90th birthday on 7th November. Two years ago the doctors told him that they could give him only 3 months to live because of the concerous condition of his body. Pat, your Aunt, had looked after him for about 20 years and she had understood that his end could have been somewhat slow and painful so it was a relief in a way that he did pass away in his sleep. I don't quite know what the future of the Pound House will be now that he is gone. Pat may be able to continue to live there but I think she would be better off in a modern flat or bungalow which does not require the maintenance that an old thatched roof house does require.Hilary paid a visit there about a month ago and she played chess with Pop and generally make herself very popular there - so perhaps if you want more first hand news you ought to write to her. Jeremy will be winging his way to England in the near future so I understand so he would also keepyou up to date.If you have the time do drop me a line to let me know how last year went.Mae and I don't travel a lot. My income leaves practically nothing to be spent on things which aren't bare necessities - and the garden and just keeping things going seems to take up quite a time - thats the reason we haven't looked you up in Auckland. However, please provide me with your telephone number for future use with the times that you could be contacted. Just lately I've been telephoning England quite a bit and communication by this method is quick and clear. With love, James and Mae.Gilligan House, Wanganui Collegiate SchoolThursday 29th.November 1979Dear Michael,I got your letter yesterday amidst great jubilation on having finished my exams. No one could believe the address you put on it!Well, I haven't written a letter ty for ages. I keep meaning to but I put it to one side and read a book instead.It's two days before the end of term and I must say I'm glad to be finishing. Not that this year has been a good one - on the contrary its been quite the most enjoyable I've ever had - but this dull routine and especially all the restrictions does tend to grot one off after 7 years of it. I'm really looking forward to Varsity. Boarding school life is too damn sterile.Gilligan has really excelled herself this year in everything. We've won Basketball, Squash, Tennis, Hexans, Debating and nearly won the Rugby and Hockey. RRG (Russell Goldsworthy) is really doing a tremendous job as housemeaster.House Supper tonight. Then time for a fifth year booze-up at the Rutland on Friday night. Then on Saturday night I'm going to a beach party in little old Waverley. So my last few days of term will leave me bloated and sozzled. Jim Wallace is the Deputy Head Master next year. No one knows who the new Headmaster will be when (Tom? - TU Wells?) goes, but it is almost certain to be a Pom. R.G. Adamson and Charlie Parker are leaving to come back teaching on a part time basis. Also Fudge Lawrence is going to St.Pauls to teach and also as their new Headmaster. (Poor St.Pauls.)I'm busy filling out my inquiry form for a hardship grant for next year. What are my chances do you reckon? Have you got hardship?My exams went by with a flash. I really can't be bothered worrying about them. So I think I'll just dawdle until 21st January.Cam McLeay is our Head of House (Gilligan) next year. He was very hard to choose. Nitish Naranjan was runner-up, with Brett Wilton as third choice. Also - but keep this to yourself - Skippy nominated Cam for head of school. By the time this letter reaches you, we will know.I just had a chat with Tom saying Goodbye etc. He kept trying to make me do English next year. I've decided I'll do Law at Victoria with the Compulsory Arts credits being Psychology and Political Science. My contact adddress for next year from 1st March onwards is Victoria House, Victoria University, 282 The Terrace, Wellington.Oh well I really must sing off.Have a happy Xmas and if you are in Waverley - don't hesitate to drop in. RossBronwen R. - via Downs Road, LondonDear Michael,Hello. I hope you are having a good trip (at the present time I gather you are still on the plane, and that's 24 hours after you left, poor boy) At the moment we are all celebrating the end of exmas, att the moment although Steven has an exams to-morrow, and we are interrupting our fun to write to you, so we are expecting replys.Peter McS - That part of written by Bronwen at about 9.30. It's now 3.am Saturday morning, and everyone Darren Wong and I have crashed. Its been a real end-of-year send-up, by now most people are in bed due to the effects of alcoholic intoxication. The others just sheer exhaustion. We saw Suzanne off on the Herald bus - a send off almost rousing as yours! It'l give her something to remember us by over the Xmas vacation. It's now an hour later, Sandra and Darren have crashed for a few minutes. Sorry about the drops of wine on this.Other news A) Bronwen secured a flat for you, and it's a really "posh place," Bronwen's words. Your address will be Flat 5, Collingwood St, Ponsonby. They're 6 student flats about 5-7 years old, and 6 bedrooms - cheers. By the time you're back you will have 2 new flatmates - should be interesting. Anyway its a student flat so you're well acquainted with your new landlady (Margorie Macky).To fill up the rest of this aerogramme could be difficult because you're only been gone some 32 hours or there abouts. Yesterday (by now I got stopped by the local Boys-in-the-blue and got the once over - they were looking for a thief who'd been operating in the 2nd Ave area - of course they asked me where I got the bike from - that was my day. If I leave spare spaces they'll get filled up. Steven R will no doubt fill in and of this, hopefully Bronwen will manage the other 1/2 (Bron and Ro aren't hitchhiking(?) home tomorrow/(today) see I won - knew they ... pity though (rough writing)Hello, I'm Derek, Derek. Hi, its me (Ro), after 2 hours sleep. I'm just off to my last O'Rorke meal - breakfast. Can I make it?Hi, Hope it's all going really neat and you're having a fantastic ttime. Lots of Love, Cathy.Hello again after Peter, Derek, Ro and Cathy so rudely interrupted (well sort of). Well, I was going to tell you some fantastic news but Pete beat me to it (boy) about the flat. One thing about the frat though is the the 6th room which is kind of on a third floor by itself. you have to go through someone else's room, it shouldn't be too bad though. Good thing is place is on gas, which is included in the rent, so our electricity eetc will be practically nil. It's a really nice flat and with in walking distance of town which is really good.Dear Michael, I went to Red Pagoda for tea and ate untold. Came back to O'Rorke and started drinking wine. We were staying up all night tonight. Darren.Dear Michael - we've been thinking of you flying off all over the place, you big pooh and I( expect a postcard from Dacca (if you get there!) Luv Sandra xxxBronwen - And I thought we would be getting away from everyone next year, and not so, and not see half of them. The half we are not supposed to be seeing is following us. Mark Polletti (can't spell) and friends have been offered Flat 2 in the same block of flats. I don't know whether they have accepted it though. And apparenetly Steven Wade has got a flat down the road. Have you got any suggestions for people to go flatting wiht, we are a bit stuck at the moment although we should be able to solve that problem. You should have been here last night (it is now Saturday morning) it was really amazing. Everybody went nutty, not only were they drunk but alot of them were "agro." I excuse the expression, couldn't think of anything else). So much damage was done. You should see one of the clothes lines instead of being like a (diagram) it was like this (floppy) and thats no kidding. The cottage boys tried to pick a fight with Bill, and the police came around a couple of times. I didn't get to see the Xmas parade. I still haven't finished packing. I will soon though, hopefully, oh well, I had better go as I am running out of room for now. Lots of love, Bronwen xxRosalie - Today is Sunday and last night Bron and I were roaming Auckland city like orphans with no O'Rorke to go to. So we stayed the night at Ann's. Ro. xxxMerry Christmas from OlafJoanne B.c/o National Park H.Q.Mt.Ruapehu.12.December 1979Dear Michael, Ant and Sandy,I've felt too guilty to write to you for a while because I was in Auckland last weekend and never got to see you. I did, actually, because I saw Antony outside atacking a fast-dwindling patch of weeds. The section is looking really good and it obviously had a lot of work put in to it.When I came up I got there late on Friday evening and left Sunday lunch time and stayed at John's in between. When I went down Williamson Ave I was in a car full of people I didn't know and although I waved discreetly but frantically at Antony he never saw me. Monday we spent working in the sun and I got burne again (skin cancer here I come). We got home at 5 just in time to be dragged out on a search and rescue. There was actually no searching involved because the girls husband - lover - fiancee - boss walked out to get help. They're a German couple and she'd twisted her ankle jumping over a stream - serves her right, these bloody tourists never stay to the tracks! Anyway, to say the least she was a well-built girl and took 10 of us 3/4 hour to carry her out to the road. My right arm is consequently 10ft longer than my left arm which is a nuisance because I keep tripping over it. We didn't get home 'till 7pm and then all bowled down to the pub till 8 and consequently ate tea at about 11pm. On Tuesday I managed to wangle my way on to a town trip to Taumaranui to take the girl to hospital for an X-Ray and to buy the food for the Park Board Christmas Party which is being held at our place next Thursday. We now have a house full of chips and peanuts and it is horribly tempting to sort of 'nibble' (Sandy will understand). Today we spent on an exercise with the Forest Service in fire fighting. As you can imagine it degenerated into a full scale water fight with 2 pumps and high pressure hoses. The first squirt got aimed at me and nearly bowled me off my feet. After that everyone ended up soaked and it was raining anyway. I nearly broke my back piggy-backing Helen up a hill and then we came back down to H.Q. and I got out of the Meat Wagon and nearly knocked my head open. I then walked into a door in H.Q. and consequently am feeling somewhat battered today. I spent all today attempting to chat up this guy, Chris and then in the middle of the afternoon another guy, Mike asked me out for tea tonight! I think I'd better go and review my methods. We went to tea in Turangi and then for a hot swim at Tokaanu which was nice. It was all very pleasant except running over a possum on the way back. I sucked in my breath and put my hands over my eyes instinctively. I wasn't trying to be dramatic. I'm sure he now things I'm a bloody idiot but that doesn't worry me unduly. Speaking of which, where and how is Mark?I'm really looking forward to our Hut Warden job. Is there any possibility of you lot finding your way down here? The train does come to National Park and you can come and stay in the hut. (How generous of me!) Helen and I will be living there for 20 days approx from 27th Dec onwards. There is a nice stream and a couple of little hills to climb (otherwise known as Tongariro and Ngaurahoe). The hut is only 1 hours walk along a flat gravel track from the main road. I hope you can come down, we could have a ball. (Not quite). At the moment we're planning a moonlight ascent of Ngaurahoe for New Year's Eve. Any duties have restricted me from coming up to Warkworth or anywhere for New Year. I don't think I'll take any holidays but instead I'll leave here in early February although I don't need to enrol 'till the 25th to come fun flat-hunting etc.I've now decided I definitely want a 10speed bike which will cut great holes in the finances. It will actually cut great red holes at the present point in time owing to my somewhat poverty stricken state. I could think of nothing more fun than plundering around smog-filled Auckland and inhaling Carbon Monoxide fumes - yes cycling is goode for the health. What are all your Christmas plans? Our lodge is looking an absolute hovel at the moment. I swapped over beds last night to save making mine but I've now run out of beds and have two to make. I've gone vegetarian except for slight slips here and there but I'm gradually weaning myself off it.Well as it is past midnight agian I simply must go to bed 'cos I want to finish my book. Much love,Joanne B xx Bruce C.Stoke, NelsonDear Michael (& Robyn)Thanks for the letter, I already have my results and, having lost my bursary, am working hard to earn enough money for next year. The last couple of weeks I've been a farm labourer on the family estates but quit yesterday after suffering from 3rd degree sunburn. Yesterday was the only sunny day we've had here yet.I shall remain in Nelson until my job as "model department head" of a toyshop finishes and have xmas with my family so we can sort out mum and so I expect to be in Auckland in mid February having spent as little as possible so I can get through next year. How many meals do you get for $7 per week? I can't make any more sense from your letter(and its the end of the page) Regards, BruceSteven R- 24th Dec(?) 1979Dear Michael,Hi! it's getting late and I'm contemplating staying up for the test, whether I'll be able to last the distance is my only worry. I hope you're feeling well, sounds as if ou are enjoying yoursevles anyway. Come Monday, I will have been home two weeks, O'Rorke seems very far away, and being home in Whakatane seems normal - things really don't seem to have changed much at all. However, on with the story, my brother doesn't really look that rough normally, I think you probably caught him at a bad time, he was fairly tired and a bit uptight about going over to Aussie. The rest of us, Mum, Dad and Judith went for a walk down Queen St to the wharf, then slowly dowdled back up stopping in at an exhibition of clay figures. It wasn't bad in the hotel foom, they had a mezzanine flor with two beds in it, I thought they made good use of the space they had (the designers that is).Till we dropped Peter off at the airport the car was fairly full and my sister had to sit in the front seat with my packon her knee. Tensions flared on the way to the airport. Auckland is not the best place to drive when you haven't got much idea as to which lane to get into etc. My brother was driving there and I knew how he must of felt when I drove back. It only makes you more nervous and unsure when everyone is telling you different things. The only incident was that I went almost through a stop light before I realised it was there and it was showing red, I slammed on the brakes, guess I was lucky that there was no-one behind me -otherwise I might have been on the news.At this stage my eyelids are beginning to drop and I'm considering abandoning my idea of waiting up for the test and instead might go to bed and get up for it.I started work the Wednesday of the wek I arrived home. I wasn't too anxious about it and everything went all right on my first dayThey are a fairly good bunch of guys that I work with - just about all friendly - one said something about university students being bludgers but I wasn't sure if he was joking or serious. I don't really have much to do with him so I don't as yet know which of these it was. The bus ride out there isn't too bad either, apart from the fact that it means I have to get up quite early to catch it. This last week I've worked overtime and have managed to get a lift out and back home wiht some men from Whakatane (Ohope actually) - I don't know them very well, one of the guys I work with arrnaged it.I quite like the work, the only parts I don't like are standing around doing nothing - which happens quite a bit but I guess I can't help that as sometimes there just isn't anything to do, and also doing certain things alone which I aren't sure of - like setting up welding and gas cutting gear (I did that for the first time on Friday and at one stage I was breaking out in a sweat wondering what to do), however, as time goes on and I learn a bit more (I'm pretty ignorant at the moment). That difficulty should disappear. I spent a bit of time getting things from the stores (where Alan works) and running errands on the tractor. Firstly I had to lean how to drive it, lucky if was a fairly simple one, though I did jerk it a bit to start off with, they came out to watch my first attempts when they heard me say that I didn't know how to drive one. I just about reveresed into somebodies car on Friday. Actually it aws a bit more complicated than a simple reversiing manouvre, however it shows that I am still learning. Also, when over at another department wiht a fitter we had to go somewhere on another tractor, although not too confident about my abililty at driving tractors I thought I should be able to drive it, so I jumped into the seat. Next thing I knew I was confronted by a strange array of buttons and dials (a more complicated tractor). I tried pulling the same knobs as the ones on the tractor I normally drive, however, one of these cut off the fuel to the motor and after that I certainly wasn't able to get started though I did try. I was saved from total humiliation by teabreak. After teabreak the reason the tractor didn't start was found to be that some Numbskull had pulled the fuel cut off button - luckily at this stage I was no longer sitting in the driver's seat. Though I go to the stores every day it was only last week that I saw Alan and after that I haven't seen him again. Had a bit of a chat about nothing much in particular, he seemed happy, though I can see how he can feel bored with the job. I guess on the whole I quite enjoy my job though I'm not eager to get to work in the morning.Also I got a reply from the Department of Education concerning my inquiry to hardship, they said that given the circumstances that I stated I might expect an allowanc eof $6-$8 a week which made me happy - though if I continue to work overtime things could change drastically. Still no results back from exams, though I recognise a few O'Rorkian names every now and then though one problem is that I don't know everybody's surnames, however, some are quite distinctive and I did spot yours. The meals at home, dinner mainly are enormous compared to those at O'Rorke. Guess thats about it, there's nothing much happening on the home front. I seem to have lost some of my sleepiness and as it is only 2 hours away from the game I think I'll attempt to start reading a book.Hope to hear from you soon. Steven.P.S. At the part last night I got the address of Pete and Niki at O'Rorke but I must have thrown them out when I was tidying out the room on Sunday. I was hoping you might know them. P.S. Have you started your job at O'Rorke yet?Alan P - Here, SundayMike,Golly, I hope having to work (as I always do) at writing a letter on Sabbath isn't sacrelige - I hate annoying Kyrstie. I hate hating annoying Kyrstie too! My, Kawerau is horrible. I do sympathise wiht you Canta problems. Your situation is certainly complicated but believe it or not, I think I see it clearly, and the answer is similarly simple - contemplation!I have become all too practice at this art in my 2 weeks at home. 56 hours a week at Tasman, contemplating during that time. Yes, people say I'm vegetating, but no - they don't understand the wonders of contemplation. Alan, on his bike, not engaging in conversation on high gear - going slow. Alan putting away stock, wandering around for 1/2 an hour with a trolley full of bearings, even though he knows where they are supposed to go. Alan on a fork lift, unloading a freight wagon, nearly running my foreman over. Alan taking twice as long as he should to drive the company car to Rotorua. Coming back 60 miles out of my way to see the beach. My, but such heavy traffic! Lies!I miss Auckland. I also got the messages on your envelop! 2 C's, eh? Well, I admit to expecting - nay - hoping - for more out of American History. But please don't tell me just about ME: What of Marie-Louise and Kyrstie - there's more to American History than just me, y'know. A running cloisters (pseudo-sexual that word isn't it - or am I just crude - don't answer that) commentary would go down rather well.I saw Kyrstie's bio, and you and Bruce (Pol Studs) in the Heraold - my eyes are peeled! I've written to K. and M-L. and Pete, and now you - I hope I've not overdone it. Oh well! What does you job consist of. I'm bored, except I have lots of time for contemplation, and I get $215 a week. I hope you got a good job even if not money! I could handle a bit more job satisfaction right now.Well, I must do a disappearing act and wash Dad's car - I'll get brown, I hope. I'm fit now - my fat tummie's subsiding. Hard work though! I'm off...Yours, Affluent Al.------------------------------------------------------Steven R - ThursdayDear Michael,Thanks a lot for your letter, by the sound of it I was lucky to even get a reply since my letter was so paltry .. (as you said) Likewise, you are lucky to recieve one in reply after abusing mine so much. I'm thinking of making up all sorts of interesting stories to keep you enthralled since some of the mundane everyday incidents of a Tasman employee don't seem to have that effect on you. Still that may have to wait for another letter as I haven't had time to invent anyting as yet.Along the general theme, coming to work in the bus this morning I was thinking about people having to do this every day of the year and how every day must seem the same and offer nothing in terms of excitment or challenge (for a lot of workers anyway). Just to prove me wrong the bus got a flat tyre and couldn't continue. So we all ( about 20 of us) had to get out and use our thumbs. Luckily enough the road is fairly busy and we all got a ride easily. Lucky also that the bus lasted that long and didn't give up on an obscure back road that travel along earlier in our journey.I went to my first real union meeting on Tuesday. It was to see how much financial support we should give our "brothers" in Kinleith who are on strike. To my surprise there was alot of dissension and alot of ill feeling about giving too much by alot of them who still remembered how poorly they were supported by Kinleith when they were on strike last year. I decided I would abstain from voting as I would be leaving the next week and therefore I shouldn't really vote. However, it was so close that they called for a division, so I stuck with the side which I thought would be the majority. Well, I aren't too sure if I choose the right side or not, in the end it was 101-89 in favour of paying $10 a week per member (side I was on) . But in my opinion and in others it was much closer than that with maybe the vote going the other way. Guess you can't trust anyone these days, not even union leaders.Work hasn't been too bad lately anyway, pretty good even, though I'll be glad when its over, which is by the way next Friday. Then a weeks rest, then back up to Auckland sometime during enrolement week. Gordon and Murray Hr are back up there early - wonder what kind of background they come from and how it's effected their lives.Its been beautiful weather donw here - weather for just relaxing, not however weather for working in a boiler suit (gee, I had a lot of trouble spelling weather).