Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia, 1st August 1888

Manly Beach
Sydney
1st August 1888

My dearest Mamie,

Yesterday Anna and I had to go to Sydney. We wanted to get our hair washed and to do some other things. If I had known what they would charge for washing our hair I would have done it at home. But it is so difficult to get hot water that I did not think we should be able to do it. Well we were charged 4/ each for washing and cutting our hair. I think it was preposterous and told the man so. For things of that kind Sydney is very dear.

Mrs Christian went to buy an umbrella and I went with her to one of the best draper's shops here, and there we saw such lovely prints. I should have so liked to have got one for Anna and one for myself. They were not dear either, only 1/3 a yard. I was very much tempted to get one, but now I am very glad I did not, for on my return home I found a letter from Stanley saying that his wife was ill and they could not have us just yet.

This was a great disappointment, for I was calculating on saving my money bu paying him a visit. Now we must just not spend anything but what we must on our board and lodging.

This morning I was going with Mrs Christian to Sydney to the dentist. She wanted to get two teeth out and was going to take gas. We were to have gone by the 10 o'clock boat and I was down waiting for her, but she did not come till just as the boat was starting. Fortunately I had not taken any ticket. Now we shall have to go tomorrow.

Last evening there were some people in at the Christians when we went there. They told us stories of the way people here make great fortunes and then ruin themselves with drink. The gentleman, Mr Millen, said it was the curse of the place.

Mrs Christian and I came back from Sydney in the steamer with a lady - a Mrs Wood. Her husband is the most accomplished, gentlemanly man. He had an appointment of £700 a year and with every prospect of doing better. he took to speculating and lost then took to drink - now he has thrown up his appointment and they have only £300 a year to live on. The other day he tried to shoot himself. They have several children and one infant of 5 or 6 weeks old. Is it not sad?

Mrs Millen said that several men he knew had committed suicide when drunk. I think it is a terrible thing. Our landlord in this house is inclined to exceed a little, but I think his wife is too much for him.

*

I remember Mrs Davies quite well. She used to be a very good natured woman, but we thought her rather vulgar. Her daughters were older than I was, but they were always very kind to us. My grandmother used to be very very angry because Mrs Davies always introduced us as her 'cousins'. I do not know what relationship there was, if any.

It must be very pleasant for you having the bands playing so near your lodgings.

The paper with Elliot's contributions arrived last night. Was all you marked written by him? Some of it we thought seemed like his writing, but the rest we could not recognise. How did he get all that news about the Dukes &c?

I am very glad he is earning money, but I wish he was writing some thing that would bring his talents into play. A good thoughtful article on military matters would do him good. But that may come yet. I expect he could get an article of that kind into Macmillan and he would get well paid for it.

I am glad to hear poor Louisa is out of danger. You never told me whether she had her child and whether it was a boy or girl - you haven't mentioned your brother Robert lately. I hope he is better. Is he on his way home yet? I do feel so envious of people going home now.

I am sending Hattie some knitted wraps that I have made for her. I wish you would tell us if you would like anything of the kind and I would make you some. I have a pretty pattern of a crochet cape and I would gladly make one for you if I thought you would wear it. I cannot see to do needle work at night and then I either knit or crochet.

I am sending Hattie's home by her brother in law Hubert Lee, who is an officer in the ... a P & O boat.

With much love to you both in which Anna joins,

love my dear Mamie, your very affectionate mother,

Eliza C Cairns