From: Biological Stn. Pearl Beach
Via Woy Woy
NSW

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

December 5, 1960

My dearest Margaret,

It was so nice to have your letter and thank you so much for everything. I wish you had not sent me a calendar because this year I am not able to send gifts, and I do so love to do so. I will think of you often even when I am not able to write.

I have been ill and instead of work slackening, I have more than ever waiting to be done and I cannot cope with it. My sight is also failing and I have had to go to a specialist to have new glasses - all very exensive. Inflation is putting a false value upon everything...

Now for news. I think I told you all about M.B.E. and investiture and this year I have been made a Fellow of the Huguenot Society of London - an honour I am very proud of, and I have had the Warrant framed. I am disappointed to see that the name of Crommelin does not appear on the list of Commerce Benefactors. It surely deserves a place there. How about my dear Nell (Eleanor) Campbell, nee Purdon? Her address is 20 Lexham Gardens, London, W.8. She belongs to the very distinguished Purdon family. Her brother, Major General Brooke-Purdon DSO OBE MC MB DPH, was Ulster agent in London. Military Supt. Queen Mary's Hospital, London. Surgeon to the King. Legion of Honour. Freeman of the City of London. To a whole page more of distinctions. I have not space to enumerate...

Nell is very nice and I am so fond of her. She was a charming daughter. Out here Mrs. (Helen) Friendt who has a family of 3 boys and a girl - we are all very fond of Annette and she is supposed to like me (poor child!). I am sorry I seldom see them. I am writing to Nell by same mail and will give her your address. How are you managing about La Providence?

Please give my love to the Arden Crommelins. I hope they are all well and happy. I am afraid I do not know of any 'intimate' connection between the House of Orange and the C's - only that when they fled from France and became bankers in Holland. William of Orange kept up their intercourse and, of course, placed Louis in charge of the Linen Industry in Ireland. Did you go to the Huguenot Dinner in London? I would have loved to go.

Our caretaker is still paralyzed and only able to say a couple of words. I am trying to help the son find a position. I am hampered by not being able to walk very far and become so exhausted. I have had to refuse invitations to parties and functions as it is so risky. I just become too exhausted. I am patron of two societies and life member of about 40 others, and it is so difficult to keep up the writing, etc. Also, the postage is no small item. We are suffering from inflation. I believe now we will have a following depression.

Dear Margaret, I do hope you have a happy Christmas and New Year, and that you will be able to enjoy some good share of comfort and warmth during the winter. My loving thoughts will be with you. Minard