From: Biological Stn. Pearl Beach
Via Woy Woy
NSW

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

November 8, 1961

My dearest Margaret,

It seems such a long time since I heard from you. I am ashamed to think how time has passed without a letter to you. I think the last news was when I saw your name in the list of Fellows of the Huguenot Society. I have forgotten if it was before or after my own Life Fellowship, and I am so often thinking of you and wondering if you went to the country to join the Community. I have been longing for some word. Now that we are growing older it is often more difficult to do the things we wish to do, and at the time we wish to do them! I still lead a very busy life. In fact my duties have increased and, although they are self-imposed, I cannot be neglectful of the things I consider my duty.

I hope the University will soon make a small addition to my quarters to enable me to have a companion, as I have passed my 80th birthday and have some heart trouble and gall stones. It is not right I should be alone for days at a time when living half a mile from the Village and 20 nearest neighbours to call upon if need be. Isn't it a blessing I am not nervous! I love the peace and quiet, and although I enjoy the big parties of students and scientists who come, I am always glad to be alone when they take their departure.

Last week I was elected to honorary life membership of the Newcastle Flora & Fauna Protection Society. That makes 28 'Life' memberships and 11 ordinary. Now I find it impossible to keep in touch with all of them regularly but the work grows in urgency if not in speed!

I am trying to make time to send a few notes on Huguenot Colonial influence, but it lags so I have not finished it yet. J.C. Latrobe, the first governor of Victoria, had a (?) with the Crommelins and de Blaquieres. He was a fine man and like most of his group did a good work as governor in a young colony under difficult conditions. I hope to send the book to Mrs. Gwynne where I hope you could see it in the Huguenot Society Library.

The little handkerchief enclosed goes with my love, dear Margaret. Just send me a few lines if you are able to do so and tell me all your own news. Your loving cousin, Minard F. Crommelin