Eva Hall to H A Hall, 17 June 1927

Letter

Title:	Eva Hall to H A Hall, 17 June 1927
Identifier:	archives.org.au/Eva_Hall_to_H_A_Hall,_17_June_1927
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Date:	1927 June 17 Fri
Authors:	Eva Agnes May Hall
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Related people:	Eva Agnes May Hall · Harold Aubrey Hall
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Keywords:	Transcriptions by Ian Berryman · H.M. Wilson Archives
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File: Eva_1927_06_17.doc File:Eva_1927_06_17.pdf

Transcription

c/o Miss R Walker

12 Wilberforce Av

Rose Bay N S W

June 17^th 1927

My dear Aubrey

Your letter was a pleasant surprise & I have postponed answering it in hopes of locating the George Halls first, but it seems rather hopeless to get their address as I mislaid Miss Johnson’s last letter & Fanny Jones has not heard from her for 2 years (I believe she has moved from Taree) & Miss J seems to be the only one who keeps in touch with George, however I have written her to the old address & may be successful. Fanny tells me George married a niece of Archbishop Wrights — a very nice woman, so I hope I shall make her acquaintance before I leave Sydney. Did you know that old Mr Gibson left Fanny Jones £500? & his estate was valued at £150,000 — his English relatives benefited chiefly.

Poor Fanny Bracher (George’s eldest girl) is dying of cancer! she is in a private Hospital & asked to see me as soon as she knew I was with Louie Hester (her sister) the latter kindly put me up for 3 days as I came through from Adelaide, otherwise I would have had 2 successive nights in the train & it is impossible to secure a “sleeper” unless travelling 1^st Class (which of course my funds would not allow me to do) so I wrote Louie & asked her to find me a corner if only for 1 night. Her husband still has his old billet (Manager of E S & A Bank in the city) no quarters provided so they own their house in a very good suburb (Ellwood) which is really a continuation of St Kilda — a pretty modern little Home & equipped with all the latest conveniences. A grown up good looking lad of 18, & a little sprite of 6 (named Joy) constitute the family. Louie looks remarkably young, also Amy (the next sister) who is also very comfortably married & has 2 boys. I only saw her for a few minutes in the tram but hope to visit her home on my return trip.

I was amazed to see so little change in Fanny & Robert Jones & they both look the picture of health & any girl of 18 might be proud of his peach bloom complexion, but I am sorry to say the dear old man is losing his eyesight rapidly & already gropes for his chair after greeting one, however, he is facing it with Christian courage & fortitude & says he still has much to be thankful for. Of course it rather saddened my little visit to them & although there [sic] were delighted to see me & most cordial I am afraid I may not be asked to stay on my return as Fanny’s illness has created chaos in the family — of course she had lived with the Jones’s over 20 years & they will miss her as if she were their own. She is facing the end with great resignation & confidence & I only hope when my time comes I shall feel as happy & safe as she does.

They are all greatly interested in their W A relatives. Harry Bracher came about 16 miles by tram to have tea at Louie’s & hear all about those he had met while in Perth one time with the cricketers — he was greatly impressed by the West. Old George who is just 70 has retired from business many years ago & whilst in the Land Agency seemed to secure a good bit of property — anyhow he told me he was drawing £14.0.0 per week which should certainly mean comfort for himself & Kate. All his family are married excepting poor Fanny who has always been Fanny Jones’ special care. Kate came to see me also she looks as bright as ever & is just as keen on politics etc, her face is much more lovable now as it seems so softened by her white hair instead of blue black. She has taken up Xtian Science & seems much more charitable than of old. I noticed that it had the same effect on Tillie Hester.

Now I wonder if I have told you enough about the relatives? Should I stay in Melb going back I shall certainly glean all I can from Fanny re family history, for I am just as keen about it as you are & still long to have the means for a trip to the “Old Country” where I am sure one could gather some interesting facts. I am sorry you had to send your little girls to the Romans, but quite understand that it was inevitable. May things improve for you in the near future is my earnest wish. Now for a little news of my own wanderings, first of all the Trans trip, of course I travelled 2^nd class (against the grain but it was that or not at all) & I had built on coming over when I let the place to Willie for 12 months. Well, 2^nd from Perth to Kalgoorlie is awful & I shall try to [illegible] my ticket from the latter place going back, the rest of the journey is beautiful & in spite of the 300 miles dead level of the Nullabor Plains it is a trip full of interest & most comfortable without being luxurious. The last day from Port Augusta to Adelaide is mountainous & picturesque the train arrived to the tick of 10 to 8 in the evening & Milton Murray met me with the car so I had no trouble about luggage or cabs. I spent a very pleasant time with them (nearly 3 weeks) & met a number of their relatives. A good solid crowd & in good positions.

Mena nee Coppin is a fine woman & gets on well with all Miltons people. Lottie Murray (Effies lame sister) is a very fine character & greatly beloved by them all, she gets about more than others with the full use of their limbs & altho’ she suffers a good deal at times you never hear a word of complaint. She was particularly kind to me, always ringing up for us to go round to her & meet various friends or suggesting outings. She took me to her cousin’s (Lady Verco’s) to watch the procession of the Royal pair & we had a splendid view from their balcony. Poor Lady Verco was on crutches as she had slipped on a polished floor 5 months previously & altho’ her husband is a Dr & she has had the best treatment & care I am afraid she will be a long time recovering the full use of her limbs, she is very fond of Effie & Anderton.

I saw more of Adelaide this time as Milton was always ready to take us for good drives & knew all the beauty spots within reach, he looks quite delicate now & has to be very shy of any over exertion, so it seems that altho’ one can live without the gall bladder they are better off if they can keep it. He is the kindest gentlest man imaginable in the house & the 2 children (Guy & Hazel) both fine sturdy specimens.

I saw Mrs Main in Adelaide as I had her address, & then she came to see us, she looks remarkably well & we are to have some outings on my way back. She was of course very delighted at “Teesy” keeping his seat in Parliament & so was I. Nance looks very well but her hair is quite white now she is as slim & pretty as ever, with the same little airy manners & laughs as easily. They have a nice comfortable home & the invalid sister is much stronger than she used to be.

I have been here nearly 6 weeks & she won’t hear of my going yet but I must break away soon. “Rose Bay” is one of the prettiest suburbs & in reach of other beauty spots. The only long trip I have taken is to Newcastle to see Hilda (Maud’s eldest girl) her husband is doing well & their one little boy is very bright & lovable, poor kid was delighted to have me for a week & hear all the family news & the trip up the Hawkesbury is a glorious one & keeps one fully engrossed, in fact the whole 105 miles holds one’s interest completely.

I saw Flora & had lunch with her one day in town she has altered very little, just a little plumper. She sent her kind regards to you both & says that she never forgets that yours was the hand of friendship extended to her in a land of strangers, she & her other widow sister have adopted a baby boy & are quite engrossed with him. Give my love to Ernest, Winnie & family & same for yr dear old selves.

Yr affect cousin

Eva

The Jones are just both 80 yrs of age. Am meeting Flora again tomorrow.