From: Biological Stn. Pearl Beach
Via Woy Woy
NSW

To: Miss M. C. Sadler
"White Lodge"
101 Northcourt Rd.
Abingdon, Berkshire
England

January 24, 1955

My dearest Margaret,

It was so nice to hear from you that the parcel had arrived and that you were pleased with the wool. I do hope you have had it made up in time for some little comfort in the dreadful weather you have had. It is very distressing to hear of such suffering and damage from cold and floods. I knew you would like the colour from looking at your photo. I like it too and nearly always have a cherry jumper in winter time. I'm afraid mine do not get washed. I keep them clean and sponge off any marks. If they do have to be washed I use almost cold water - wash quickly and spread on white paper or a coat hanger to keep shape...

I feel for you with that arthritis. I have something similar - sciatica, I believe, all down my right side since that injury to my ankle. I also wrenched the muscles of my right upper arm when doing the washing and using a wringer with the screw too tight. It has been so painful. One of my sisters sent me some glucodin and it gave me relief at once. Do try taking some!

Your little card was beautiful. Please, dear Margaret, do not send me anything else. I have many comforts and if I want any little thing I cannot obtain here, I will write and tell you. At present my only need is a maid who will do all the work for no wages, and who lives out!! So if you come across one or two, just pick the best and send her by parcel post!

We are to have our big conference in Sydney on Feb. 12th. I am working hard on that. If I have any spare copies of papers I'll send you a set. I have posted 66 and have more to go. Postage is very high...

I am glad to have your notes about birds. We have the same trouble here with feral domestic cats. The RSPCA is putting out a big appeal for having animals spayed which prevents them from having young and does away with all that cruel trouble of bird destruction by starving cats which have been turned out to fend for themselves. The same with dogs. It is so much kinder to do this...

'Wiggles' [the orphaned possum] is growing up quickly. I don't agree with keeping her so closely in the house and am thinking about the time for her liberation into the strange world where she will have to fend for herself. I am strongly against animals and birds being in captivity, except for canaries which of course cannot be liberated now without having them encounter disaster. 'Wiggles' is carried about in doctor's jumper or on top of her head where she loves to perch.

Thank you for Evelyn's address. She wrote to me about the time that your letter arrived but I am sorry to say that I have not answered yet. I hope you now have 'Walkabout'. I was disappointed in the setting up of the article which I did not think up to the usual standard, and they had such nice photos they could have used. Say a special little prayer for my garden plans, Margaret, I do so want to leave some of this lovely area untouched for the people of the future to enjoy. I say 'untouched' but I realize it cannot return to its first state of beauty now. Love from Minard