Michael Billings Collection - Wallet 11 - Part 19 of 24

5
treated as well as the lucky fellow.                
Your description of the antics 
of Master Richard puts the lid on my 
feelings of homesickness. I would be 
thrilled to bits to be around to 
take part in the proceedings, in 
fact I would egg him on to more 
startling baby feats. As you seem to 
remember, I'm about half-touched myself 
so would vie with the lad in the 
quest of fun & games.  Do you think 
Richard & I will go for each other.
Tut-Tut, what crap are you 
handing me with all the whinge about 
seeing everyone but you in him. Your 
psychology is imperfect, people, for as 
long as I can remember unconsciously.

6
lean to the side of the family concerned
as regards resemblance of the child.  Now 
young John is a realistic kind of chap and 
I see that he just [[wiped?]] the two 
of us.  So there's your answer, as you 
point out, you have justifiable reason 
for the little chap having some 
resemblance to you.  Never mind his the 
physical side of it but let me tell you 
this, I'll be very disappointed in 
him if I cannot discern in his makeup 
many of the sterling qualities I love you 
for.  As to whether you really had 
him at all, just refer to your file of 
doctor's & hospital. [[tries?]], they will be 
made out in your name.  You will 
be pleased to know that the bald

7
patches are definitely on their way 
out.  When I used to get them 
before iodine used to do the job and 
its been the goods again. However the 
[[Mycoral?]] has not been wanted as my 
rash is hardly itchy at all now and 
a cobber of mine I let use the bottle had 
got a particularly nasty dose of tinia 
in an equally nasty place showing vast 
improvement. So your sweet gesture 
looks like paying good dividends. 
In a recent letter which perhaps has 
got lost I asked you to ask Mum to
rummage through my junk and see 
if there were any old pipes hiding 
there. I was as wild as hell when 
the other went off and miss a

8
a drag on the briar keenly. I know they 
are a thing of the past down there 
and all they have here are the aussie 
vareity variety  which are pretty frank. 
So I hope one can be dug up at home 
and I shan't scold you if you pay air 
mail postage on it. I quite realise its 
[[hard?]]difficult for you to manage a lengthy
screed [[?]] very often due to the score 
of things you have to do for the young 
master. Just can't be helped that's 
all and I know you will pen a 
lusty tale when mood and opportunity 
permit. You're doin' fine , I only 
wish the frequency of delivery equallyed 
the frequency of your letters. I expect 
the G.E. letter in which I discussed

9
the housing & furniture problem with 
you has arrived so will let the matter stand until 
I get your further dissertation on the 
subject. While its nice in one respect 
to know I still remain a potent factor, 
I'm very rueful that I am not 
able to help out in a more practical 
way. We team so well that it is 
a shame that the combination is 
forced to function in widely separated
latitudes.  There must be something 
telepathic about us, to even our fears 
of becoming a bald headed couple are 
dissolving in unison. Very pleased to 
hear that adorable curly thatch is 
beginning to come back to its glory 
again. It all promises very well for 

10
our reunion and I foresee with expectant 
thrills, many furious scuffles, 
culminating in that host of joyous 
endearments we are saving up for each 
other. As I now pursue sedentary 
duties my hands are idle, soft once 
again so you may anticipate many 
caresses without suffering the friction 
of callouses. I hope I don't have to take 
to the ax{[e?]] again, I had a ton of it 
over the hump, clearing out the jungle 
near our camp, and hewing it to size 
for our 'appy home. So I'm glad 
my digits will serve a better purpose 
than holding a pen. So prepare 
yourself to glow like a V G. firefly
I see the you are determined to buy.

11
the old man a Xmas gift, thanks 
very much and not a bad idea at that. 
As you say, a few duds will be needed 
for the Micky's entry into the environs 
of Collins St ‘apris la guerre fini' 
Your unbecoming levity about my poor 
prospects of getting a bottle or two 
to wet Richard's head vexes me 
greatly. Here I am with a thirst 
like a camel and what do I get, 
guffaws from my own wife. I think 
I'll take on the shopping and sneak 
into the local tavern like I did last 
time. Your old Melbourne stinks.  
Phooey, what do they know about 
the war but it is always a ready 
excuse for a multitude of sins.

12
Your bargain about the foundation garments 
of ebon hue is on but hears another 
clause to bind it, I shall have the
 sole right to put them on and take
 im for their initial appearance. 
Otherwise you can buy them yourself.  
Its an old Spanish custom you know. 
Your wheeze about getting a small 
[[bowel?]] is marvellous. Gee, I hope you 
chance upon something, as for me 
springing a few fiddleys towards the 
force, I  just give me the chance
 is all I ask. Talking about money, 
you will be getting a check for the 
from the army for a coupla quid to 
buy something for Richard & 
yourself. Sorry I can't send something

13
but we aint got no shops up here.  
Regarding the last page of your screed,
that gives me a first class use for 
my next G. E. effort which will go 
to paper sometime this week.
Not much from here as 
usual, the weekly entertainment of 
pictures & scrapping has come and 
gone once more.  I am O.K but its 
sure an uncomfortable joint just 
now.  Hot as the pit and violent 
storms are stirring things up at night.  
Just about got flooded out last night.
Well, precious, thats all so  
Sweet dreams, a big kiss to our fella, 
love to the [[Suggies?]] and my all to 
you, Sweet Puss.   Dad

PS Talk about an earbasher
13 pages

PR00610
Australian 
War Memorial