‘My dear Tot’

P.S. Have written Dr Jim

Forbes 15.11.18

My dear Tot

Your letter came yesterday & I was glad to hear of you all. I did get a letter from “Warro” with particulars about Min. Your letter came to me just before I read the paper else I would have had a worse shock when I saw the intimation there. I feel so sorry for the little girls. Min’s loss will be so very much to them. Her nature was so cheerful & helpful. Children feel very keenly while their grief lasts. Altho I have not seen much of Min for many years yet there is the feeling of loss. Somehow she always made a bright spot in things altho a sufferer herself.

I am glad to know Geo is better. Not only Dr Hill but this good news will be a good restorer.

The news reached us here about 10.30. I had gone to bed early being tired after a big day on Sunday – but was roused by a voice – “the bells are ringing” - I had intimated to my congregation that at what hour soever they sh[oul]d hear the bells ringing they were to come to the church so I was soon out of bed & into clothes without wash or comb. There had been a light storm & the air was clear & fresh & I shall not soon forget the sensation of the walk with the news ringing out – I sent a messenger on to light up & open the ch[urch].

When I arrived the doors were just opening & the bell going as if demented & people gathering in all sorts of attire – the joyous feeling was much damped by the appearance of the Secretary, who wanted to know who gave the authority to ring the bells as he had come straight from the Mayor who knew nothing. It was some time before one came hurrying with a copy of the cable, wh[ich] had come to the press and was posted. By this time the choir was assembled & a good cong[regation] & I read the cable and we burst out into “Praise God from whom” etc. Then the “Te deum” sung as I never heard it sung & perhaps never will again. Then scripture Ps 126-125 and afterward Ps 124 to old 124th

Now I[srael] may say St-- and O did they not sing. Then Thanksgiving prayer for those who fought for us & those who died for us with “118” ch. Praise in memory of the latter – that joyous “Ten thousand times ten thousand”. Then handshaking & out to the streets, some to go home myself for one, the others to express themselves more loudly.

We were the only church open & had members of all the churches & those who came felt that they could not have missed that first spontaneous burst of praise for anything. We had a public service at 11 am on Tues in the Main St but it was not inspiring. Our chief citizen cares for none of these things & simply disgusted the people with his blither.

We have had services of praise in our ch[urch] almost every night & all well attended by ch[urch] people.

Next Sunday will be a big day & I am busy getting ready. What a victory has been won – the Kaiser and band have been ground to powder & Germany stripped. It is the greatest judgement of history. Right has triumphed over might & that gloriously. It is the Lord’s doing & He has used our brave soldiers to execute his judgement. “The sound of the Lord & of Gideon”.

I am pleased to hear that your cultivations thrive. The dry here is very severe & water is the only hope of saving garden or orchard.

My love to them at the cottage. I have no hope of a trip down at Xmas. My holidays will be too short then to go anywhere except Kellyville & perhaps to Sydney for a day.

With best love to all & self your loving brother